f 


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w 

LIBRA.RY 

OP  THE 

Theological   Semina 

py, 

PRINCETON,    N.J. 

- 

Cuspy 

— •^— ^^* — ^^SRTT- Diy.is) .- 

i 

Shelf, 

Hook, 

0<Y,:5    ^Section 

1 

■ N., 

0' 


v-^»-»>.„-.V  %.. 


-•*  *•♦  ♦- 


SPIRITUAL     TREASURY 


FOR    THE 


CHILDREN    OF    GOD 


CONSISTING    OP 


A  MEDITATION  FOR   EACH  MY  IN   THE    YEAR, 


UPON   SELECT   TEXTS    OF   SCRIPTURE. 


HUMBLY    INTENDED     TO     ESTABLISH     THE     FAITH,     PROMOTE    THE 

COMFORT,     AND     INFLUENCE     THE    PRACTICE     OF     THE 

FOLLOWERS     OF     THE     LAMB. 


^ 


BY    WILLIAM    MASON, 


SELECTED  FROM  HIS  MORNING  AND  EVENING  MEDITATIONS. 


Where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your  heart  be  also. — Matt.  6  :21. 


PUBLISHED   BY    THE 

AMERICAN    TRACT    SOCIETY, 

150   NASSAU-STREET,    NEW-YORK. 


D.  Fanehaw,  Printer. 


t 


Tlicse  selections  have  been  revised,  with  some 
changes  in  obsolete  or  other  defective  forms  of 
expression. 


These  devout  meditations  were  written,  towards  the  close 
of  the  last  century,  with  ''  the  chief  aim  to  exalt  the  Lord  Je- 
sus, the  perfection  of  his  atonement  and  righteousness,  and  the 
glory  of  his  salvation."  An  eminent  divine  of  that  age,  ac- 
knowledging the  benefits  he  had  derived  from  them  to  his  own 
soul,  adds,  "  They  will  be  profitable  to  thee,  Reader,  if  thou  art 
hungering  and  thirsting  after  righleonsness — if,  being  taught 
by  the  Holy  Ghost  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord,  thou  art  desiring  to 
grow  in  the  knowledge  of  his  adorable  person,  and  in  the  love  of 
the  Father  through  him.  May  the  Lord  the  Spirit  witness  to  thy 
heart  of  Jesus  whilst  thou  art  reading  them,  and  render  them 
the  means  of  glorifying  Him  in  thy  life  and  conversation,  that 
thou  mayest  learn  from  every  page  to  trust  him  more,  to  hope 
more  in  him,  and  to  love  Him  more  who  is  thy  all;  and  if  thou 
livest  upon  him  in  all,  he  will  be  thy  heaven  upon  earth,  and 
thy  heaven  of  heavens  in  eternal  glory." 


AN  INDEX 


TEXTS  OF  SCRIPTURE  TREATED  OF. 


Chap 

Verse. 
Genesis. 

Page. 

Chap. 

Verse. 
1  Kings, 

Page. 

Chap. 

Verse. 

Psalms. 

Page. 

8 

22 

88 

19 

4 

470 

38 

4 

18 

16 

13 

295 

19 

13 

191 

38 

4 

465 

22 

12 

149 

19 

20 

220 

39 

7 

51 

42 

8 

332 

2  Kino"s. 

41 

4 

371 

43 

30 

432 

o 

13^ 

146 

42 

6 

24 

45 

28 

490 

8 

42 

11 

41 

46 

30 

477 

c 

Chronicle 

3. 

51 

7 

391 

Exodus. 

20" 

20 

335 

51 

8 

306 

12 

3 

337 

Nehemiah 

51 

37 

62 

14 

13 

397 

6 

11 

381 

52 

7 

517 

33 
34 

15 

30 

93 

308 

8 

10 

Job. 

393 

55 
63 

16 
3 

368 
12 

33 

Deuteronomy. 
27        515 

1 
19 
30 

21 
25 
33 

492 
438 
426 

71 

72 
73 

16 
17 

24 

11 

394 
236 

Joshua. 

77 

10 

105 

23 

14 

445 

Psalms. 

94 

19 

118 

Judges. 

3 

0 

179 

97 

11 

372 

6 

22-3 

156 

5 

3 

48 

104 

34 

326 

7 

o 

479 

19 

12-12 

1    29 

106 

4 

298 

10 

14 

324 

25 

8 

496 

106 

15 

74 

1  Samuel 

25 

11 

322 

113 

3 

363 

26 

28 

21 
15 

459 
405 

27 

27 
27 

9 

13 
14 

22s 
239 
229 

119 
119 
119 

25 

28 
49 

90 

328 

73 

2  Samuel 

30 

5 

^22 

119 

81 

461 

15 

26 

416 

34 

0 

462 

119 

162 

200 

I  Kings. 

37 

5 

71 

121 

1 

54 

14 

13 

114 

37 

39 

474 

125 

3 

296 

6 

INDEX. 

Chap. 

Vltsc. 

Pago. 

C.'iap. 

Verse. 

Pago. 

Chap. 

Verse. 

Page. 

Psalms. 

Lamentatior 

IS. 

Matthew 

139 

23-24    20 

3 

40 

280 

15 

23 

37 

3 
•i 

Proverbs. 
9 
23 

358 
517 

36 

Ezekiel. 
26 

123 

15 

18 
25 

27 
20 
34 

441 
290 

258 

14. 

32 

64 

Daniel. 

27 

35 

423 

17 

17 

217 

3 

14 

330 

Mark. 
38 

23 

26 

96 

6 

5 

108 

4 

210 

Canticles. 

Hosea. 

5 

36 

301 

2 

16 

514 

6 

3 

61 

8 

36-37  143 

Isaiah. 

Mieah. 

10 

38 

14 

9 

6 

285 

7 

7 

485 

16 

7 

212 

12 

3 

70 

7 

9 

15 

27 

28 

13 
16 

431 
183 

3 

Zephaniah 
17 

2Q2 

8 

Luke. 
15 

374 

32 

40 

17 
1 

189 
274 

Zcchariah 

/wC  A< 

8 
9 

21 

62 

267 
171 

40 

10 

94 

6 

13 

117 

10 

42 

58 

41 

14 

163 

Malachi. 

10 

42 

248 

42 

1 

499 

3 

6 

410 

10 

'  42 

473 

43 

25 

508 

3 

16 

170 

12 

15 

476 

44 

22 

271 

Matthew. 

12 

32 

242 

45 

15 

116 

1 

21 

111 

13 

23 

488 

49 

15 

512 

1 

23 

519 

14 

33 

27 

52 

7 

518 

1 

23 

520 

17 

3-4 

104 

53 

5 

340 

5 

3 

160 

17 

5 

434 

54 

5 

385 

5 

6 

180 

17 

32 

206 

54 

5 

495 

5 

8 

246 

18 

1 

286 

54 

8 

68 

5 

16 

197 

22 

60 

437 

55 

1 

364 

5 

44 

124 

23 

42 

264 

55 

3 

319 

6 

11 

448 

23 

43 

44 

57 

1 

379 

7 

14 

120 

24 

17 

451 

59 

19 

91 

9 

21 

216 

24 

38 

417 

61 

10 

399 

9 

24 

153 

24 

39 

435 

65 

1 

424 

10 

22 

528 

24 

45 

76 

66 

o 

261 

10 

40 

491 

24 

47 

60 

Icremiah. 

11 

12 

268 

John. 

3 

22 

312 

11 

25-26  103 

1 

12 

466 

3 

22 

314 

11 

29 

150  i 

1 

17 

209 

15 

16 

551 

13 

55 

273; 

1 

39 

497 

45 

5 

86 1 

14 

31 

176 

3 

7 

157 

INDEX, 


:iiap. 

Verse. 

Page. 

Chap. 

Verse. 

Pajre. 

Chap. 

Verse. 

Page. 

John. 

1 

Romans 

Galatians 

3 

18 

28 

8 

9 

265 

!     2 

20 

204 

3 

33 

494 

8 

12 

186 

3 

28 

523 

5 

39 

173 

8 

15 

511 

5 

1 

469 

i) 

66 

360 

8 

16 

141 

5 

11 

378 

ij 

67 

131 

8 

26 

128 

5 

17 

159 

6 

69 

484 

13 

11 

527 

5 

25 

309 

7 

24 

167 

13 

14 

254 

6 

14 

144 

11 

4 

84 

14 

17 

487 

Ephesians 

11 

26 

302 

1 

Corinthians. 

1 

13 

262 

11 

52 

293 

1 

9 

79 

2 

13 

367 

12 

41 

444 

1 

29-31  154 

2 

14 

225 

13 

17 

177 

3 

22 

482 

2 

4-5 

464 

13 

37 

427 

3 

23 

57 

4 

4 

351 

14 

1 

87 

6 

12 

190 

4 

30 

199 

14. 

15 

31 

13 

13 

288 

5 

8 

289 

14 

18 

127 

15 

10 

241 

6 

13 

342 

14 

26 

184 

15 

10 

361 

6 

14 

343 

16 

14 

161 

15 

19 

277 

6 

•15' 

344 

16 

27 

97 

15 

31 

357 

6 

16 

346 

17 

17 

25 

15 

34 

333 

6 

17 

347 

17 

20 

52 

15 

55 

275 

6 

17 

349 

20 

15 

422 

15 

57 

257 

6 

18 

350 

20 
21 

20 
17 

453 

406 

16         13        245 

2  Corinthians. 

Philippians 
1        21 

233 

Acts. 

4 

6 

33 

2 

12 

196 

1 

11 

202 

4 

8 

456 

3 

9 

354 

3 

15 

382 

4 

13 

270 

3 

10 

194 

3 

19 

507 

4 

18 

222 

3 

14 

140 

7 

56 

83 

5 

1 

168 

4 

3     , 

.409 

9 

11 

472 

5 

7 

447 

4 

4 

213 

Romans. 

5 

17 

525 

4 

6 

164 

1 

16 

390 

7 

10 

282 

4 

18 

329 

1 

18 

279 

12 

2 

98 

4 

19 

223 

3 

4 

317 

12 

8 

42 

Golossians 

5 

11 

468 

12 

9 

166 

1 

12 

238 

5 

19 

440 

12 

9 

430 

2 

G 

383 

7 

9 

503 

12 

10 

452 

2 

17 

400 

7 

18 

455 

13 

5 

299 

3 

4 

524 

7 

24 

138 

Galatians. 

3 

17 

325 

8 

1 

181 

1 

16 

522 

3 

24 

207 

8 


INDEX. 


Chap.        Verse.        Page.  ,  Chap 

1  Thcssaloniaws.     | 

1  5  38!  10 

2  13        232  10 

2  Thessalonians,  10 
2        16-17  136  1 

1  Timothy. 


Verse.        Page.  :  Chap.        Verse.        Page. 


15 

5 

16 


J.  /w 

Timothy 


402 
396 
81 
386 
413 


1        412 

5        415 

16-17  133 

22        419 


Titus. 
2        11. 

Hebrews. 
1  3 


2 
2 
4 
4 
4 
4 
5 
6 
7 
9 

10 
10 


9 
14 

1 
15 
15 
16 
14 

9 
25 
24 
12 
14 


283 

34 
9 

67 
126 
134 
458 

45 
336 
260 
252 
110 
130 
389 


Hebrews. 
23        121 
26-27  510 
38        333 


1 
13 
13 

27 
27 
30 

1 

3 

12 
14 
24 

5 

13 

James. 

14 

8 
1  Peter. 

7 

4 

8 
15 

7 

7 

8 
16 

7 


230 
366 
506 
318 
407 
500 
193 
151 
442 

49 
174 
504 

21 

215 

203 

47 
113 

16 
147 

66 
255 
251 
339 
187 


Peter. 
1        370 


2  Peter. 

9 
11 

17 

1 

14 

18 

1  John, 


1 

3 

1 

7 

1 

7 

2 

1 

2 

23 

3 

1 

3 

21 

3 

23 

5 

1 

5 

11- 

5 

.   13 

5 

20- 

480 
481 
502 
387 
107 
77 


249 
311 

449 
80 
40 
219 
303 
403 
101 


11-12  226 

100 

20-21  137 


Jude. 

3 

4 
20 
21 


420 

315 

355 

35 


Revelation. 

1  5  375 

1  6  376 

1  7  235 

5  12  428 


SPIRITUAL    TREASURY. 


Jan.  \.—We  see  Jesus.   Heb.  2  :  9. 

Fine  sights  of  human  pomp  and  worldly  grandeur 
captivate  and  ravish  worldly  minds.  It  is  common  to 
hear  persons  say,  O,  I  could  sit  all  night  to  see  a  fine 
play!  But  one  sight  of  the  matchless  charms  and  daz- 
zling glories  of  our  Saviour  makes  all  other  things  ap- 
pear mean  and  contemptible.  We  turn  our  ej^^es  from 
them  and  say,  ''  I  put  away  these  childish  things  ;  I  have 
a  heavenly  object,  infinitely  superior  to  such  low  and 
perishing  inanities." 

I  know  one,  who  having  heard  that  faithful  minister 
of  Christ,  Mr.  Whiterield,  when  he  first  preached  in  the 
fields,  upwards  of  thirty  years  ago,  on  being  asked 
which  he  liked  best,  to  hear  him  preach,  or  see  Vaux- 
hain  profanely  replied,  "  Whitefield  only  preaches  of 
heaven,  but  Vauxhall  is  heaven  itself."  Poor  soul !  he 
was  then  blind  to  his  want  of  Christ,  and  to  his  glory 
and  excellency.  But,  to  the  glory  of  his  rich  grace,  that 
poor  sinner  is  out  of  hell,  and  can  now  happily  join  the 
faithful  in  saying,  we  see  Jesus.  So  then,  the  once  pro- 
fane sinner  is  changed  into  the  "  enthusiast."  Enthusi- 
asm to  see  Jesus ! 

=<  Enthusiasiic  this  1 
'■'  Then  all  are  blind  but  rank  enthusiasts.'"' 

The  essence  of  the  Gospel,  the  joy  of  sinners,  and  the 
glory  of  faith  consist  in  this  sight.  What  is  life  itself 
without  it  1    ^as,  we  have  lost  all  righteousness,  holi- 

1* 


10  JANUARY  1. 

ness,  and  happiness,  in  ourselves  j  but  we  see  all  these, 
with  heaven  and  glory,  restored  to  us  in  Christ.  O  bless- 
ed day  !  happy  hour  !  joyful  moment !  when  the  sight  of 
our  inestimably  precious  Saviour  first  saluted  the  eyes 
of  our  mind  and  became  the  object  of  our  faith  !  It  was 
the  beginning  of  days;  yea,  our  birth-day  to  eternal 
blessedness. 

This  sight  is  a  feast  to  our  souls  all  the  year.  We  de- 
light to  begin  the  year  with  seeing  Jesus.  We  salute 
one  another  with,  "  I  wish  you  a  happy  new  year." 
What  mean  we,  but  I  wish  you  to  see  Jesus  1  What  can 
make  the  year  happy  without  this  1  This  creates  heaven 
in  the  soul.  Then  it  is  a  happy  year  indeed.  But  with- 
out this  precious  view  of  faith  we  can  get  no  ease  from 
the  burden  of  sin,  and  our  souls  must  be  miserable.  This 
world  can  afford  us  no  real  happiness.  The  thoughts  of 
death  will  torment  us ;  and  the  view  of  judgment  fill  us 
with  dread  and  terror.  But,  O  happy  sinners,  who  can 
bless  God  with  Simeon,  and  say,  ^'  Mine  eyes'have  seen 
thy  salvation !"  Luke,  2  :  30.  I  see  Christ :  he  is  all 
my  salvation  and  all  my  desire.  Ye  heaven-born,  highly- 
favored  souls,  well  may  ye  say,  "  Time,  hasten  on ; 
years,  roll  round  ;  moments,  fly  swiftly;  and  bringr  me  to 
the  full  enjoyment  of  my  beloved  Saviour  in  his  king- 
dom of  glory." 

JVe  see  Jesus^  who  saw  us,  loved  us,  pitied  and  saved 
us  when  dead  in  our  sins,  cursed  by  the  law,  and  pol- 
luted in  our  blood.  We  look  back  and  see  him  an  out- 
cast babe,  a  despised  man,  crucified  as  a  vile  malefactor, 
bearing  our  sins  on  the  cross,  made  a  sacrifice  for  our 
souls,  and  redeeming  us  to  God  by  his  blood.  We  glory 
in  him  as  the  only  atonement  for  our  sins  and  our  one 
righteousness  to  justify  our  souls;  for  he  \^  the  Lord 
our  righteousness.  Jer.  23  :  6.  We  look  up  and  see  Jesus 
crowned  with  glory  and  honor,  pleading  our  cause  and 
interceding  for  our  persons  at  the  rig^fr  hand  of  God, 


JANUARY  2.  11 

and  ever  living  to  save  us  to  the  nttennost.  We  look 
forward  to  judgment ;  awful  day  !  we  see 

'*  A  trembling  world,  and  a  devouring  God." 

But,  O  how  bright  the  prospect !  we  see  Jesus  coming 
with  power  and  great  glory  to  receive  us  to  his  king- 
dom, that  where  he  is  there  we  may  be  also. 

Do  we  thus  see  Jesus  by  faith  as  revealed  in  the  word 
of  truth]  Then  we  are  new  creatures  in  him.  We  are 
called,  with  Moses,  "  to  endure  as  seeing  Him  who  is  in- 
visible." Heb.  11  :  27.  We  are  exhorted  to  ''  lay  aside 
every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  us, 
and  run  with  patience  the  race  set  before  us,  looking 
unto  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith."  Heb. 
12  :  1,  2.  Thus  we  obey  the  will  of  God  our  Father, 
who  commands  us,  "  Behold  mine  elect,  in  whom  my 
soul  delighteth,"  Isa.  42  :  1,  "  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom 
I  am  well  pleased."  Matt.  3  :  17. 


Jan.  2. — /  ivill  go  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  God :  I  icill 
make  mentio7i  of  thy  righteousness,  even  of  thine  only. 
Psalm  71  :  16. 

Wise  travellers  provide  things  needful  for  their  jour- 
ney, and  guard  against  such  as  lie  in  wait,  by  the  way, 
to  rob  them.  Our  gracious  God  calls  not  his  dear  chil- 
dren to  forsake  their  native  country,  to  travel  to  the 
heavenly  city,  without  furnishing  them  with  a  rich  sup- 
ply of  all  things  necessary  for  their  comfort,  and  also 
strength  to  protect  them  from  the  power  of  every  enemy. 
No  soldier  of  his  goeth  a  warfare  at  his  own  charge. 
Christ  being  both  their  righteousness  and  strength,  they 
can  want  nothing  :  neither  riclies  nor  power.  Hence 
they  go  on  from  day  to  day,  glorying  in  him  as  their 
richest  treasure,  and  trusting  in  him  as  their  almighty 
strength ;  and  this  is  their  constant  song  in  the  house 
of  their   pilgrimage,    and    all   their   journey  through ; 


12'  JANUARY  3. 

"  Surely,  in  the  Lord  have  I  righteousness  and  strength." 
Isa.  45  :  24.  Jesus'  righteousness  inspires  the  soul  with 
boldness  before  God.  Jesus'  strength  obtains  victory- 
over  every  enemy.  This  is  the  triumph  of  faith.  So  be- 
lievers walk  safely  and  comfortably.  Children  of  grace 
are  not  called  to  be  idle  speculatists  in  doctrines ;  but 
to  a  life  of  activity,  to  holy  walking  with  Jesus,  constant 
hearing  of  his  love,  cheerful  obedience  to  his  will,  dili- 
gent search  of  the  Scriptures,  steadfast  resistance  of  Sa- 
tan, striving  daily  against  sin,  and  praying  always  with 
all  prayer  and  supplication. 

But  well  may  one  ask,  "  Who  is  sufficient  for  these 
things  V  As  to  natural  power  and  inherent  strength,  we 
must  all  sit  down  in  despair.  But  faith  leads  from  self 
to  Jesus.  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  strengthen- 
ing me  ;  so  will  I  go  on  against  my  enemies  ;  thus  I  shall 
be  enabled  to  walk  in  the  paths  of  every  duty.  Yet  after 
I  have  done  all,  my  Saviour  bids  me  confess  the  truth, 
that  I  am  an  unprofitable  servant. 

But  is  not  this  discouraging  to  the  soul  1  No  ;  for  it 
works  not  to  obtain  righteousness.  It  is  already  clothed 
with  that,  and,  in  the  view  of  faith,  rejoices  in  it;  ab- 
jures all  other,  and  will  make  mention  of  Jesus'  righ- 
teousness, and  his  only,  for  acceptance  with  God,  per- 
fect justification  before  him,  from  every  condemnation 
of  the  law  and  accusation  of  Satan.  True,  doubts  and 
fears  may  arise,  distressing  thoughts  deject ;  but  happily 
are  we  conducted,  joyful  shall  be  our  experience,  while 
the  righteousness  of  Christ  is  held  by  faith,  as  our  only 
hope,  our  only  joy,  our  only  crown  of  rejoicing.  For  we 
are  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Christ.  2  Cor.  5  :21. 


Jan.  3. — Because  thy  loving-kindness  is  better   than  life,  my 
lips  shall  -praise  thee.  Psalm  63  :  3. 

Forsake  all,  and  possess  all ;  give  up  all,  and  enjoy 


JANUARY  3.  13 

all—This  is  the  doctrine  of  Jesus,  and  the  experience 
of  faith.  So  we  overcome  the  world,  by  preferring  the 
love  of  Christ  to  every  thing  beside.  Most  blessed  en- 
thusiasm !  really  tasting  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,  truly 
feeling  the  comforts  of  his  love,  actually  partaking  of 
fellowship  with  Jesus,  communion  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
freely  conversing  with  the  Father  of  all  consolations — 
O  how  transporting  to  the  spirit  j  how  ravishing  to  the 
soul !  With  what  holy  indifference  does  the  enraptured 
heart  look  down  upon  the  objects  of  sense  !  The  gilded 
toys  of  time,  that  so  attract  the  view  j  the  glittering  va- 
nities of  life,  that  so  enslave  earthly  minds  ;  the  empty 
shadows  of  sense,  that  so  bewitch  the  heart ;  yea,  life  itself, 
with  all  its  comforts,  what  are  all,  compared  to  one  mo- 
ment's enjoyment  of  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lordl 
In  competition,  as  shadow  to  substance  ;  in  worth,  as  the 
dust  of  the  earth  to  the  gold  of  Ophir.  Sense  is  but  short- 
lived fancy.  Faith  is  reality  and  substance.  For  it  brings 
love,  the  kindness  of  love,  yea,  the  God  of  loving-kind- 
ness himself  into  the  sinner's  heart.  This  changes  a 
fallen  son  of  Adam  into  a  glorious  saint  in  Christ :  a  mi- 
serable sinner  into  a  comfortable,  holy,  humble  praiser 
of  our  covenant  Lord. 

Thus  it  is  when  the  soul  has  found  God  in  Christ, 
who  is  its  life,  its  glory,  its  treasure,  its  heaven,  its  all. 
But  this  knowledge  consists,  not  merely  in  ecstasy  of 
soul  and  rapturous  sensations  :  faith  is  an  habitual  prin 
ciple,  love  is  an  active  grace,  hope  has  a  purifying  effi- 
cac5^  Not  only  are  the  lips  opened  in  praise,  the  tongue 
loosed  to  speak  of  the  glory  of  Jesus ;  but  the  life,  the 
practice,  the  conversation  will  also  be  savored  with  the 
grace  of  truth,  as  an  evidence  that  we  know  his  love, 
and  have  been  with  Jesus.  Thus  we  prove  that  he  has 
taught  us  wisdom,  not  to  prefer  heaven  to  earth  in  word 
only,  but  in  conduct.  Having  received  all  from  him 
freely,  in  love  and  by  grace,  we  desire  to  do  what  he 


H  JANUARY  4. 

has  commandecl,  to  avoid  what  he  has  forbidden.  The 
fruits  of  righteousness  are  by  him,  to  the  glory  of  God 
the  Father ;  therefore  we  pray  to  be  filled  with  them. 
The  works  of  the  flesh,  the  works  of  darkness,  we  desire 
to  mortify,  to  have  no  fellowship  with  them  ;  because 
contrary  to  love,  and  the  enjoyment  of  it.  "  We  have 
known  and  believed  the  love  that  God  hath  to  us.  God 
is  love  ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth  in  God, 
and  God  in  him."   1  John,  4  :  16. 

••Of  all  the  joys  we  mortals  know, 

"  Jesus,  thy  love  exceeds  the  rest; 
"  Love,  the  best  blessing  here  below, 

"■  The  highest  rapture  of  the  blest." 


Jan.  4. — Jesus  said,   Ye  know  not  what  ye  ask.    Mark,  10 :  38. 

Strange  !  what,  James  and  John,  two  disciples  of  a 
despised  and  rejected  Master  who  had  not  where  to  lay 
his  head,  petitioning  for  nothing  less  than  the  right  hand 
of  pre-eminence,  and  the  left  hand  of  power  !  What  are 
the  best  of  men  when  left  to  their  own  spirits  ]  Truly, 
we  know  not  what  to  pray  for  as  we  ought.  Jesus,  Mas- 
ter, instruct  us.  Teach  us  what  to  pray  for.  Let  thy 
word,  ''  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,"  be  ever  up- 
permost in  our  minds  ! 

Poor  Baruch  could  not  be  honored  of  God,  arfd  com- 
missioned to  read  the  roll  to  the  princes  of  Judah,  but 
he  thinks,  Now  I  am  somebody ;  I  have  got  in  the  way 
to  earthly  honor  and  preferment.  But  his  brother,  Jere- 
miah, is  sent  to  him  with  this  question  and  reproof, 
"  Seekest  thou  great  things  for  thyself  1  seek  them  not." 
Jer.  45  :  5.  How  many  distresses  were  brought  upon 
the  children  of  Israel  by  the  mixed  multitude  that  went 
with  them  !  So  the  swarms  of  earthly  afiections  and  car- 
nal desires  which  are  found  with  us,  are  ever  opposing 
the  glory  of  Jesus,  and  exciting  us  to  seek  that  happi- 


JANUARY  5.  15 

ness,  in  nature  and  sense,  which  can  only  be  found  in 
the  spiritual  reign  of  Jesus  in  the  heart. 

But  so  kind  and  gracious  is  our  dear  Saviour,  that  he 
crosses  our  wills  and  denies  our  request,  when  contrary 
to  our  spiritual  interest.  Thus  in  love  he  answers  our 
prayers  :  he  withholds  what  we  ask  ;  he  gives  what  he 
knows  is  best  for  us.  If  disciples  ask  what  it  is  unfit  for 
them  to  receive,  or  unlawful  to  beg,  shall  we  complain 
of  God's  love,  if  he  denies  1  Granting  is  not  always  the 
effect  of  love.  If  so,  Paul  had  been  less  loved  than  Satan. 
Satan  asked  but  once  concerning  Job,  and  his  request 
was  granted.  Paul  besought  the  Lord  thrice  that  the 
messenger  of  Satan  might  depart,  yet  was  denied  in  that. 
Yea,  the  blessed  Jesus  thrice  prayed  his  Father  that  the 
cup  might  pass  from  him,  but  that  could  not  be.  The 
Lord  delights  in  the  prosperity  of  his  people  ;  therefore 
withholds  no  good  thing  from  them.  Not  our  judgment, 
but  his  wisdom  must  determine  this.  We  pray  to  be  in 
the  height  of  comfort,  and  on  the  pinnacle  of  joy.  But 
love  answers  by  keeping  us  in  the  safe  vale  of  humility 
and  self-abasement.  Lord,  what  proud  aspiring  crea- 
tures are  we  !  enable  us  to  obey  thee  :  ''  Humble  your- 
selves under  the  mighty  hand  of  God."   1  Pet.  5  :  6, 


Jan.  5. — I  mil  hear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  because  1  have 
siivied  against  him,,  until  he  plead  my  cause  and  execute  judg- 
ment for  me  :  he  will  bring  7ne  forth  to  the  light,  and  I  shall 
behold  his  righteousness.    Micah,  7  :  9. 

Though  sin  be  atoned  for  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  and 
the  soul  be  made  holy  and  happy  by  believing  this,  yet, 
alas!  sin  dwelleth  in  us.  Hence  all  our  griefs,  our  suf- 
ferings, our  wretchedness.  God's  judgments  are  some- 
times secret,  always  just,  ever  in  love  to  his  own.  Mise- 
ry would  never  afflict  us  if  sin  did  not  infect  us.  God 
disciplines  by  afflictions,  for  our  profit  and  his  glory. 


16  JANUARY  6. 

The  faith,  patience,  and  valor  of  God's  soldiers  are  best 
known  in  times  of  exercise  ;  then  how  animating  to  view 
the  love  and  trust  to  the  faithfulness  of  a  covenant  God! 
To  see  a  Father's  love  to  the  soul,  in  the  rod  of  his  dis- 
pleasure ag-ainst  sin,  how  supporting !  I  will  bear  the 
chastisements  of  my  Father,  my  sins  deserve  them; 
yea,  wrath  and  hell  are  my  desert.  My  mouth  is  stop- 
ped ;  I  have  nothing  to  plead ;  guilt  silences  me. 

But  see,  hear,  and  rejoice,  O  soul.  The  church  be- 
holds a  Blessed  Person.  Who  is  it  that  she  thinks  upon 
and  mentions!  "  Until  He  plead  my  cause."  It  is  the 
dear  Advocate  Jesus,  the  ever-precious  pleader  for  poor 
sinners.  How  reviving  are  the  sacred  pages !  they  ever 
testify  of  his  blessed  name  and  soul-comforting  work. 
He  never  intermits  his  plea  for  the  life  of  the  soul. 
He  prevails  over  all  the  desert  of  sin,  by  his  atonement 
and  intercession.  Shortly  he  will  speak  destruction  to 
all  sin  by  the  Vv^ord  of  his  power. 

In  the  meantime  he  sends  his  Spirit,  the  Comforter, 
the  third  person  in  the  glorious  Trinity.  ''  He  will  bring 
me  forth  to  the  light."  Here  see  Old  Testament  faith 
in  New  Testament  love.  It  is  the  Spirit's  office  to 
bring  souls  out  of  the  dark  dungeon  of  nature's  sorrows, 
to  see  Jesus  the  Light  of  life.  "I  shall  behold  his 
righteousness."  Then  it  is  a  day  of  comfort  after  a  night 
of  distress.  Is  the  righteousness  of  Jesus  mine  1  am  I 
righteous  by  that  in  the  sight  of  God  1  Then,  truly,  it  is 
in  righteousness  God  dealeth  with  me,  and  will  save  me. 
This  faith  humbles  the  soul  to  the  dust,  strips  it  of  proud 
murmurings  and  self-righteous  pleas,  and  inspires  it  with 
boldness  at  a  throne  of  grace.  This  is  the  confident 
plea  of  faith :  "  For  thy  righteousness'  sake  bring  my 
soul  out  of  trouble.  Destroy  all  them  that  afflict  my 
soul :  for  I  am  thy  servant."     Psalm  143  :  11,  12. 

Jan.  6. — Love  as  brethren.    1  Peter,  3:8. 
Love  without  reason  is  a  mad  passion.     Profession 


JANUARY  6.  17 

without  love  is  but  "  a  sounding  brass  or  a  tinkling 
cymbal ;"  unmeaning  noise  to  others  ;  unprofitable  to 
him  that  makes  it.  Love  is  of  God.  It  is  that  precious 
ointment  which  is  poured  forth  from  the  Father  of  love 
upon  the  head  of  our  spiritual  Aaron,  and  runs  down  to 
the  skirts  of  his  garment,  even  upon  all  his  brethren, 
the  children  of  love.  Love  descends  from  God,  through 
Jesus,  to  us,  spreads  itself  among  the  brethren,  and  as- 
cends in  grateful  odors  to  the  God  of  love. 

The  prophet  asks,  '^  Have  we  not  all  one  Father  1" 
Mai.  2  :  10.  Yes,  saith  Christ.  "  I  ascend  unto  my 
Father,  and  your  Father."  John,  20  :  17.  Hence  the 
Holy  Spirit  draws  the  image  of  Jesus,  "  the  first-born  of 
many  brethren,"  upon  each  of  their  souls,  and  possesses 
them  with  the  faith  of  Jesus  ;  and  '^  whosoever  believeth 
that  Jesus  is  the  Christ  is  born  of  God  j  and  every  one 
that  loveth  him  that  begat,  loveth  him  also  that  is  begot- 
ten of  him."  1  John,  5  :  1.  Faith  in  Jesus  is  the  band  or 
cement  of  brotherly  love.  Are  we  the  brethren  of  Jesus, 
beloved  and  chosen  by  one  Father,  born  again  of  the 
same  Spirit,  partakers  of  the  same  grace,  heirs  of  the  same 
promises,  travellers  to  the  same  kingdom,  and  shall  we 
not  love  each  other  1  Alas  !  alas  !  we  mourn  for  the  loss 
of  health  or  of  property,  but  how  much  greater  cause 
is  there  to  lament  the  loss  of  love  amongst  God's  dear 
children  and  Christ's  beloved  brethren  ! 

But  we  are  all,  like  Simeon  and  Levi,  brethren  in 
iniquity  ;  and  as  with  them,  so  anger  and  self-will  are 
found  with  us.  Gen.  49  :  5,  6.  Both  are  the  effect  of 
pride,  and  are  contrary  to  faith  and  love.  The  question 
is  not.  Are  we  perfectly  freed  from  every  passion  and 
temper  contrary  to  love  1  This  we  are  not  to  expect  in 
our  brethren.  God  loves  us,  not  as  sinless,  but  as  he 
views  us  in  Christ.  Do  we  really  love  the  children  of 
God  as  such,  love  the  members  of  Jesus  purely  for  his 
sake  1  Instead  of  indulging,  do  we  curb  and  resist,  watch 


18  JANUARY  7. 

and  pray  against  our  tempers  which  are  contrary  to 
love  1  This  is  a  blessed  evidence  that  the  root  of  love 
is  in  US.  Let  us  be  importunate  with  Christ,  that  the 
fruits  may  abound  more  and  more  to  the  glory  of  God, 
"  whom  we  love,  because  he  first  loved  us."  Love 
creates  happiness,  yea,  heaven  in  the  heart ;  it  restores 
paradise  to  the  soul ;  for  "  he  who  dwelleth  in  love, 
dwelleth  in  God  and  God  in  him."  1  John,  4  :  16.  "  Co- 
vet earnestly  the  best  gifts,  and  yet  I  show  unto  you  a 
more  excellent  w^ay  :"  "  Walk  in  love,  as  Christ  also 
hath  loved  us."    Ephesians,  5  :  2.  Love  as  brethren. 

"  Love  is  the  grace  that  keeps  her  power 

"  In  all  the  realms  above  : 
"  There  faith  and  hope  are  known  no  more, 

"  But  saints  for  ever  love." 


Jan.  7. — Mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  mine  head  :  as  a^i  heavy 
burden  they  are  too  heavy  for  me.     Psalm  38  :  4. 

They  who  think  lightly  of  sin,  and  account  iniquity 
a  trifling  thing,  evidently  show  that  the  God  of  this 
world  hath  blinded  their  eyes  to  the  infinite  atonement 
of  Jesus,  and  hardened  their  hearts  through  the  deceit- 
fulness  of  sin  ;  therefore  they  are  insensible  of  grief,  and 
have  no  godly  sorrow  for  sin.  But  when  Jesus  is  known  in 
the  heart,  sin  is  truly  abhorred,  forsaken,  and  overcome. 

It  is  most  distressing  to  the  regenerate  soul,  when 
the  load  of  guilt  and  the  burden  of  sin  are  suffered  to 
lie,  day  after  day,  upon  the  conscience.  The  insupport- 
able agony  of  such  a  state  none  know  but  those  who 
have  experienced  it.  One  may  ask,  is  not  this  contra- 
dictory to  that  comforting  assertion,  ''There  is  now  no 
condemnation  to  them  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus'?"  Rom. 
8:1;  inconsistent  with  that  triumphant  challenge, 
"  Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  elect  1" 
Rom.  8  :  .33.  We  answer.  No,  for  though  charge  and 
condemnation  for  sin  may  be  brought  by  Satan,  the  ac- 


JANUARY  7.  19 

cuser  of  the  brethren ;  the  law  may  condemn,  and  our 
own  spirits  must  confess  we  are  sinners  5  yet  our  cove- 
nant God  hath  no  condemnation  against  us.  He  hath 
laid  all  our  iniquities  upon  Jesus  ;  and  this  is  the  full  and 
free  charter  of  his  covenant  concerning  all  his  children, 
"  Their  sins  and  their  iniquities  I  will  remember  no 
more."  Jer.  31  :  34.  0,  say  some,  this  will  take  away 
all  fear  of  sinning,  and  all  dread  of  guilt !  Most  impious 
charge  against  the  God  of  grace  and  love  !  But  Avho  say 
this'?  They  who  reject  God's  truth,  and  believe  not  his 
everlasting  love  j  but  judge  from  their  own  corrupt  prin- 
ciples. But  regenerate  souls  groan  under  the  burden 
of  sin ;  and  because  love  prevails,  sin  is  hated  and  self 
abhorred. 

Jesus  is  the  only  balm  of  Gilead,  the  only  Physician 
for  sin-distressed,  sore-burdened,  heavy-ladened  souls. 
We  may  seek  rest  from  other  objects,  but  all  in  vain. 
Nothing  can  quiet  and  relieve  the  distressed  soul  but 
this  one  truth :  Jesus  hath  actually  borne,  fully  suffered, 
perfectly  atoned  for  all  the  sins  of  his  people.  So  that 
the  Lord  has  discharged  all  their  sins,  and  will  remem- 
ber not  one  sin  against  them.  O,  when  one  beholds  this 
general  release  !  every  debt  cancelled  by  Jesus'  blood, 
and  God  acquitting  from  every  accusation  of  law  and 
conscience,  then  our  souls  return  to  their  rest.  This 
is  the  faith  of  God's  elect.  And  while  kept  simple, 
loving,  faithful  to  him,  we  live  by  his  grace,  feast  on  his 
love,  and  holy  longings  inspire  our  hearts  to  enjoy  him 
in  glory.     O  then 

"  Sin  (my  worst  enemy  before) 

"  Shall  vex  my  eyes  and  ears  no  more: 

"  My  inward  foes  shall  all  be  slain, 

"  Nor  Satan  break  my  peace  again. 

"  Then  shall  I  see,  and  hear,  and  know 
"  All  I  desired  and  wished  below  ; 
"And  every  power  find  sweet  employ 
"  In  that  eternal  world  of  joy." 


20  JANUARY  8. 

Jan.  8. — Search  me,  O  God,  and  knoiv  my  heart :  try  me,  and 
hiow  my  thoughts :  and  see  if  there  he  any  icicked  loay  in  me,  and 
lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting.     Psalm  139  :  23,  24. 

'^  He  that  doeth  truth  cometh  to  the  light,  that  his 
deeds  may  be  made  manifest  that  they  are  wrought  in 
God  :"  this  is  an  infallible  touchstone  of  true  conver- 
sion, given  by  the  Oracle  of  truth.  "  He  that  trusteth  to 
his  own  heart  is  a  fool."  Prov.  28  :  26.  Sincere,  upright 
souls  know  they  have  to  do  with  a  heart-searching  God  : 
to  him  they  appeal,  and  desire  to  be  tried  and  searched 
by  him.  AVhat  avails  it  to  the  soul,  to  obtain  a  favora- 
ble opinion  from  our  vain  fellow-mortals,  if  we  are  con- 
scious that  all  is  not  right  within  %  What  peace,  what 
comfort,  what  joy,  though  men  approve,  and  the  soul  it- 
self be  ever  so  confident,  while  conscience  testifies.  My 
ways  do  not  please  the  Lord,  my  walk  is  contrary  to  his 
will  \  True  love  to  Jesus  will  ever  excite  godly  jealousy 
in  the  heart. 

While  in  the  flesh  we  are  ever  exposed  to  deceits 
from  a  subtle  foe,  a  deceitful  heart,  and  an  insnaring 
world  ;  yea,  and  from  false  teachers  also.  Our  paths 
may  be  intricate,  darkness  may  overtake,  and  Satan  may 
thrust  sore  at  the  soul,  that  it  may  fall,  or  be  driven  in- 
to by-ways  of  error  and  wickedness.  Here  is  the  wis- 
dom and  patience  of  saints  :  when  they  cannot  see  their 
way,  to  cry  to  their  Guide.  Jesus  is  the  way,  the  only 
way,  the  way  everlasting,  in  which  the  saints  in  all 
ages  have  walked  to  glory.  Faith  in  Jesus  is  inconsist- 
ent with  every  wicked  way,  though  in  our  present  state 
there  is  no  entire  freedom  from  sin,  which  dwelleth  in 
us  ;  consequently  no  perfection  in  righteousness  per- 
formed by  us.  Yet,  the  more  we  abide  in, Jesus,  the 
closer  we  cleave  to  him,  the  more  steadfastly  we  behold 
him  ;  so  much  the  more,  through  the  grace  of  his  Holy 
Spirit,  we  shall  be  dead  to  sin,  and  alive  to  holiness. 
We  shall  experience  the  ways  of  wisdom  to  be  ways  of 


JANUARY  9.  21 

pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  to  be  paths  of  peace. 
Prov.  3  :  17.  This  is  the  end  of  simple-hearted,  sincere 
souls,  in  their  appeals  at  a  throne  of  grace,  that,  "  with 
open  face,  beholding  as  in  a  glass  the  glory  of  ^e 
Lord,"  they  may  be  "  changed  into  the  same  image 
from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord." 
2  Cor.  3  :  18.  Thus  the  new  creature  appeals  to  the 
God  of  all  grace  to  be  searched,  tried,  and  led.  Thus 
our  new  state  and  new  life  in  Christ  are  manifested  : 
"  we  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit." 
Rom.  8  :  1. 


Jan.  9. — Let  us  go  forth  unto  Him  ivithout  the  camp,  hearing 
his  reproach.     Heb.  13  :  13. 

The  profession  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ  is  easy  to  na- 
ture. There  is  nothing  irksome  to  the  flesh  in  being 
called  a  christian.  But  to  know  Jesus  in  heart,  to  con- 
fess him  with  the  tongue,  and  to  follow  him  in  our  life, 
will  ever  expose  us  to  reproach  and  contempt.  Yet  if, 
with  Philip,  we  have  really  found  him  of  whom  Moses 
and  the  ptophets  wrote,  we  must,  we  shall  speak  of  him 
to  others.  We  shall  esteem  Jesus  as  our  beloved,  and 
choose  him  as  our  richest  treasure.  Our  hearts  and 
affections  will  be  going  out  after  him.  Moses'  choice 
will  be  ours  :  we  shall  esteem  "  the  reproach  of  Christ 
greater  riches  than  the  treasures  of  Egypt." 

But  fleshly  wisdom  is  contrary  to  all  this.  That  ever 
prompts  :  "  Save  thyself  j  take  care  of  thy  good  name  ; 
fear  lest  that  be  cast  out  as  evil ;  beware  of  thy  charac- 
ter ;  go  not  too  far,  thou  wilt  sustain  damage.  In  the 
camp  of  this  world,  riches,  pleasures,  and  honors  are 
enjoyed.  Study  the  happy  mean.  Thou  mayest  hold 
with  the  world,  and  yet  not  quit  Jesus."  Nay,  but  thou 
eanst  not  love  and  serve  two  such  contrary  masters  : 
thou  wilt  soon  grow  tired  of  the  one  or  the  other.    The 


22  JANUARY  10. 

inward  glory  and  peace  of  Jesus  will  not,  cannot  be  en- 
joyed but  while  the  heart  and  affections  are  placed  on 
him.  The  faith  of  Jesus  is  contrary  to  the  world,  it  can- 
nfit  be  reconciled  to  its  vain  customs  and  sinful  maxims. 
Nay,  faith  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world. 
The  world  is  an  enemy's  camp.  A  despised  Nazarene  is 
the  christian's  glory.  To  bear  his  reproach  is  our  high- 
est  honor. 

The  heaven-born  soul,  though  like  a  captive  impri- 
soned in  flesh,  yet  hath  free  access  to  Jesus  by  faith. 
So  it  endures  present  reproaches,  seeing  Him  who  is 
invisible.  And  do  we  hope  for  the  future  sight  and  eter- 
nal fruition  of  Him  who  endured  the  cross  and  despised 
the  shame  for  us  1  Let  us  take  and  bear  his  cross  :  des- 
pised disciples  let  us  be.  Look  down  on  the  world  with 
contempt.  Look  up  to  Christ  with  joy.  Go  forth  to 
meet  him  in  love.  Ever  remember,  Jesus  went  forth 
cheerfully  to  meet  all  his  conflicts  and  agonies  for  us. 
It  is  but  a  little  while  ere  we  shall  go  forth  from  the 
body  ''  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air :  and  so  shall  we  be 
ever  with  the  Lord."  1  Thess.  4 :  17.  Is  this  really  our 
faith  1  Is  this  truly  our  hope  1  O  let  us  more  than  ever 
dwell  on  it !  For  it  will  not  only  make  reproach  for 
Christ  easy,  but  excite  longings  to  be  with  him  :  "  The 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  our  spirits."  2  Tim.  4 :  22. 


Jan.  10. — For  his  anger  endureth  hut  a  ?noment ;  in  his  favor  is 
life :  weeping  may  endure  for  a  nighty  hut  joy  cometh  in  the 
morning.     Psalm  30:  5. 

Verily,  here  is  a  glorious  assemblage  of  comforting 
truths,  like  a  reviving  cordial  of  rich  compounds,  to 
enliven  drooping  spirits.  Too  often  do  God's  children 
judge  of  their  Father's  love  from  corrupt  ideas. 
Through  the  carnality  of  their  natures,  the  depravity  of 
their  judgment,  the  weakness  of  their  faith,  the  uncer- 


JANUARY  10.  23 

tainty  of  their  frames  and  feelings,  and  the  artful  insi- 
nuations of  Satan,  their  loving  Father  is  considered  as 
an  implacable  Being,  full  of  wrath  and  anger  against 
them.  But  this  is  contrary  to  God's  revelation  of  him- 
self in  Christ,  as  a  God  of  love.  So  also  is  it  injurious 
and  hurtful  to  the  souls  of  his  children.  For  it  damps 
their  love,  distresses  their  spirits,  deadens  the  exercise 
of  their  graces,  and  hinders  their  increase  in  holiness, 
the  fessence  of  which  is  founded  in  the  love  of  God. 
Therefore,  such  views  come  not  from  God.  But  hereby 
Satan  gains  an  advantage,  and  triumphs  over  poor  souls 
with  "  There,  there,  so  would  I  have  it." 

What  can  the  trembling  sinner  do  1  whither  can  he 
fly  1  what  course  can  he  take  1  All  legal  efforts  are 
vain  ;  from  self  and  nature  no  hope  can  spring.  What 
can  he  think  1  Truly,  stand  amazed  that  he  is  out  of 
hell.  He  cannot  sink  lower  in  his  views  of  himself  than 
are  his  just  deserts ;  yet  he  can  never  be  in  his  own 
sight  so  miserable  but  that  the  grace  of  God  in  Christ 
is  all-sufficient  to  afford  hope  and  help.  In  nature's  des- 
pair grace  triumphs.  A  sense  of  momentary  anger 
heightens  returning  favor.  The  joy  of  the  morning  is 
improved  by  a  past  night  of  sorrow.  God  ever  rests  un- 
changeable in  his  love  to  his  people.  This  is  the  essence 
of  Gospel  grace  and  truth.  That  we  vary  and  fluctuate 
in  our  apprehension  of  his  love  is  natural  to  our  ver3r 
existence.  "  But  we  have  a  more  sure  word  of  pro- 
phecy, whereunto  ye  do  well  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto 
a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place,  until  the  day  dawn, 
and  the  day-star  arise  in  your  hearts."  2  Peter,  1  :  19. 
"  The  testimony  of  Jesus  is  the  spirit  of  prophecy." 
Rev.  19 :  10.  The  favor  of  God  to  sinners  is  in  Christ, 
that  is  their  life ;  the  life  and  spring  of  all  their  graces 
and  comforts.  God  in  Christ  is  the  christian's  highest 
glory  and  greatest  triumph.  For  his  love  is  unchange- 
ably the  same  to  Christ,  and  to  all  who  are  united  to 


24  JANUARY  11. 

him  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  one  with  him  by  precious 
faith.  "  Rejoice  in  the  Lord  alway  :  and  again  I  say, 
rejoice."    Philippians,  4  :  4. 


Jan.  11. — O  my  God,  my  soul  is  cast  down  lotthm  me :  there- 
fore will  I  remember  thee  from  the  land  of  Jordan,  and  of 
the  Hermonites^from  the  hill  Mizar.    Psalm  42  :  6» 

In  times  of  dejection  and  distress,  the  thought  of  a 
dear  friend,  who  has  comforted  us  in  times  past,  tends 
to  alleviate  the  mind.  If  we  are  assured  of  his  love  to 
us,  we  question  not  his  readiness  to  assist  us.  So,  under 
the  affecting  loss  of  a  dear  brother,  Martha  addresses 
the  Saviour,  "  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother 
had  not  died."    John,  11:21. 

Inexpressible  blessedness  to  live  in  a  holy  familiarity 
with  the  God  of  love  !  How  simple  are  David's  words ! 
how  freely  doth  he  pour  out  his  complaints,  and  tell 
God  of  his  sorrows !  though  his  soul  was  bowed  down 
within  him,  heaviness  of  mind  beset  him,  the  sweet 
sunshine  of  joy  was  overcast  by  the  dark  cloud  of  sor- 
row, yet  faith's  piercing  eye  looks  through  all.  Regard- 
less of  his  own  frames  and  feelings,  he  has  direct  re- 
course to  God. 

0  my  God !  how  sweet,  how  animating  are  appro- 
priating views  of  thee  to  the  soul !  Though  cast  down, 
though  dejected  in  self,  and  all  within  heightens  the 
gloom,  yet  all  above  is  hopeful  and  encouraging. 
Though  no  confidence  about  us,  yet  Jesus  is  before  the 
throne  for  us.  "  I  will  not,  I  cannot,  I  dare  not  forget 
this.  Rejoice  not  over  me,  0  mine  enemy  ;  I  Avill  still 
remember  my  God  ;  my  thoughts  shall  be  yet  towards 
him  ;  my  hope  is  in  him  ;  my  expectations  from  him. 
Though  it  is  now  dark,  I  will  remember  past  times  of 
light  and  love.  Though  now  bowed  down,  yet  my  God 
has  been  the  lifier-up  of  my  head.    The  light  of  his  re- 


JANUARY  12.  25 

conciled  face,  in  Jesus,  hath  shined  upon  me.  Clouds 
may  mtercept  my  joyful  views  of  this,  but  not  prevent 
his  sight  of  me,  nor  turn  away  his  love  from  me.  My 
case  is  before  him.  My  soul  lies  open  to  his  view.  The 
times  of  refreshing  shall  come  from  his  presence.  He 
rests  in  his  love."  Such  are  the  reasonings  of  faith. 
The  experience  of  departed  saints  should  encourage  the 
confidence  of  living  saints.  Down-cast,  mourning  souls, 
when  they  enjoy  not  God's  comforts,  should  meditate 
on  his  loving  purposes,  rich  promises,  and  free  grace  in 
Christ  'j  holding  fast  the  word  of  his  truth.  Of  what  sin- 
gular and  blessed  use  is  the  memory  to  retain  divine 
truths,  and  bring  back  a  fresh  and  lively  sense  of  God's 
past  dealings  with  us!  "Remember  this,  and  show 
yourselves  men."  "  God  is  faithful,  by  whom  ye  were 
called  unto  the  fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord."     1  Cor.  1 :  9. 

"  Amidst  temptations  sharp  and  long, 
"  My  soul  to  this  dear  Refuge  flies : 

*•  Hope  is  my  anchor,  firm  and  strong, 
"  While  tempests  blow  and  billows  rise. 

"  The  Gospel  bears  my  spirit  up : 
"  A  faithful  and  unchanging  God 

"  Lays  the  foundation  for  my  hope, 
"  In  oaths,  and  promise?,  and  blood." 


Jan.  12. — Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth.     John,  17  :  17. 

Thus  prayed  our  great  High  Priest  on  earth.  What 
he  asked  in  his  humiliation,  is  founded  upon  the  word 
and  will  of  his  Father,  and  he  hath  power  to  effect  it  in 
his  exaltation.  Hence  we  have  the  fullest  assurance  of 
the  final  perfect  sanctification  of  all  his  members. 
Hence  the  desires  and  breathings  of  souls  after  holiness 
are  encouraged,  and  our  prayers  gather  the  strongest 
confidence  of  success. 

S.  Treasiiij'.  2 


26  JANUARY  12. 

While  our  Beloved  expresses  his  afTectioTiate  con- 
cern for  his  people's  salvation,  we  see  his  equal  regard 
for  the  honor  and  glory  of  his  Father's  word.  Love  for 
holiness  and  love  of  the  truth  are  inseparable.  As  the 
Gospel  prevails  in  the  heart,  holiness  is  increased.  It  is 
first  life,  then  liveliness  in  the  soul.  It  is  the  minis- 
tration of  the  Spirit  in  the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit. 
Whatever  workings  of  the  Spirit  we  find  in  the  heart, 
all  are  by  the  word  of  truth.  The  life  of  believers  is 
from  Christ,  who  is  the  Truth  ;  therefore  increasing 
light,  refreshing  comforts,  stronger  affections  shall 
abound,  and  all  by  that  same  law  of  grace  and  truth 
whereby  the  soul  was  at  first  converted  to  the  faith  of 
Jesus.  "  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the 
soul,  making  wise  the  simple,  rejoicing  the  heart,  en- 
lightening the  eyes."    Psalm  19:7,  8. 

There  is  a  peculiar  glory  in  the  order  of  salvation. 
"  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  us  to  salvation." 
But  how  is  this  made  manifest]  Only  "through  sancti- 
fication of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth."  2  Thess. 
2:13.  Thus  faith  and  holiness  flow  from  electing  love. 
So  every  word  of  God's  truth  is  prized,  and  the  fulfil- 
ment of  every  promise  is  expected.  We  love  the  truth 
of  the  word,  because  it  discovers  God's  love  to  us  in 
Christ :  it  reveals  Christ's  righteousness  to  us  for  our 
justification  5  revives  our  hearts  with  the  knowledge  of 
pardon  by. his  blood,  and  the  certainty  of  full  sanctifica- 
tion, and  perfect  glory,  through  his  intercession.  So 
Jesus  prayed,  so  we  believe,  so  we  poor  sinners  are 
saved.  Saved,  unspeakable  mercy  I  from  the  power 
of  sin  and  the  prevalence  of  pride.  Happy  the  heart 
where  the  love  of  holiness  prevails  agreeably  to  the 
word  of  truth.  Glory  to  the  Father  for  his  everlast- 
ing love  ;  to  Jesus,  for  his  justifying  righteousness  and 
atoning  blood  ;  and  to  the  Spirit,  for  his  sanctifying  in- 
fluences.    This  will  ever  be  ascribed,  by  truly  sancti- 


JANUARY  13.  27 

fied  hearts.     "What  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no 
man  put  asunder."   Matt.  19  :  6. 


Jan,  13. — Whosocvei'  he  be  of  you  that  forsaheth   not  all  that 
he  hath.)  he  cannot  he  my  disciple.     Luke,  14 :  33. 

There  must  be  the  heart  of  a  disciple,  before  there 
can  be  the  conduct  of  a  disciple.  Hence,  says  Christ, 
"  Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee,  Ye  must  be  born 
again."  John,  3  :  7.  The  blessed  effects  of  this  spiri- 
tual birth  will  be  evident  in  choosing  Christ  as  our 
Lord,  and  becoming  his  disciples.  Earthly  objects  will 
be  forsaken ;  heavenly  ones  prized.  Jesus  being  es- 
teemed our  treasure  and  our  hope,  our  hearts  will  be 
with  him,  our  affections  set  on  him  ;  and  it  will  be  our 
chief  delight  to  hear  his  voice  and  follow  him. 

Coming  to  Christ,  is  turning  our  backs  upon  the  "  lust 
of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life." 
By  the  faith  of  Jesus  we  renounce  and  forsake  all  these 
things  as  our  curse  and  shame.  The  clearer  views  we 
have  of  Christ's  glory,  and  the  stronger  our  faith  is  in 
him,  so  much  the  more  w€  become  dead  to  all  things 
beside  him.  Thus  it  is  manifest  who  are  the  disciples 
of  Jesus.  Their  Master  so  teacheth  them.  We  have 
need  to  pray  daily.  Sun  of  righteousness,  shine  brighter 
on  our  minds !  Lord,  increase  our  faith  !  For  the  flesh, 
with  its  affections  and  lusts,  still  abides  with  us  j  and 
as  the  life  of  Jesus  increases,  through  faith  in  the  heart, 
so  shall  we,  more  and  more,  groan  under  whatever  is 
contrary  thereto. 

The  victory  is  obtained  only  through  faith:  in  its 
nature  very  simple,  but  in  its  fruits  and  effects  most 
comprehensive.  For  hereby  we  enjoy  more  happiness 
and  comfort  in  Christ,  than  all  this  present  world  can 
give.  Ye  sons  of  earth,  ye  disdain  usj  we  pity  you. 
As  ye  are  now,  so  once  were  we.    We  enjoyed  your 


28  JANUARY  14. 

sinful  gratifications,  and  feasted  on  your  vain  delights 
too  long.  We  confess  it,  and  grieve  for  it.  Now  we 
have  found  Jesus,  we  have  another  and  a  better  life.  In 
divine  pleasures,  spiritual  joys  from  Christ,  and  sweet 
communion  with  him,  we  anticipate  future  glory.  We 
enjoy  a  heaven  of  comfort  in  a  world  of  sorrow.  There- 
fore, in  seeking  all,  we  gain  all.  In  following  Jesus, 
though  painful  and  grievous  to  the  flesh,  we  reap  spirit- 
ual consolation  and  joy  to  our  souls.  Our  greatest  honor 
upon  earth  is  to  be  his  disciples ;  our  greatest  glory 
is  to  confess  him ;  and  our  chief  happiness  is  to  walk 
worthy  of  him.  Experience  will  ever  prove,  that  he 
who  walks  most  by  faith  will  be  most  comforted.  He 
who  lives  nearest  Christ  in  faith,  will  follow  him  closest 
in  love  ;  and,  consequently,  keep  at  the  greatest  distance 
from  the  world's  vain  pleasures,  and  the  carnal  delights 
of  the  flesh.  '^  For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh,  ye  shall 
die."  Rom.  8:13. 


Jan.  14. — He  tlmt  believeth  on  him  is  not  condemned.    John,  3  :  18. 

Dost  thou  believe  on  the  Son  of  God  1  This  is  the 
most  important  question  in  the  world.  Faith  in  Jesus  is 
the  "  one  thing  needful."  Without  this,  the  day  of  life 
is  a  state  of  sin  and  condemnation ;  the  night  of  death 
will  be  full  of  terror,  and  the  day  of  judgment  most 
dreadful.  It  cannot  be  otherwise.  For  as  we  are  all 
malefactors,  under  the  sentence  of  the  law,  the  thoughts 
of  such  an  execution  must  be  most  awful  and  alarming. 
But  sin  blinds  men's  eyes,  hardens  their  hearts;  and 
vain,  self-righteous  hopes  deceive  their  souls  into  an  in- 
sensibility to  their  lost  and  ruined  state. 

What  a  special  mercy  to  know  one's  self!  what  dis- 
tinguishing grace  to  know  Jesus!  what  peculiar  favor 
to  know  one  is  delivered  from  condemnation  by  him! 
This  is  the  joyful  privilege  of  every  believer.    Though 


JANUARY  15.  29 

he  be  a  sinner,  yet  God  doth  not  impute  sin,  but  imputeth 
righteousness  unto  hinn ;  a  righteousness  which  is  equi- 
valent to  every  demand  of  the  law  5  even  the  perfect 
righteousness  of  the  ever-blessed  man  and  Mediator 
Jesus,  our  Surety  in  the  flesh.  Faith  humbly  receives 
this  glorious  righteousness.  The  believer  is  thankful 
to  God  the  Son  who  Avrought  it  out,  to  God  the  Father 
who  freely  bestows  it,  and  to  God  the  Spirit  who  showed 
him  his  want  of  it.     Therefore  he  is  not  condemned. 

Sin  cannot  condemn  us :  it  is  atoned  for  by  the 
blood  of  Jesus.  The  law  cannot  condemn  us :  that  is 
satisfied  ;  yea  more,  it  is  magnified  and  made  honorable 
by  the  perfect  obedience  of  the  God-man  Jesus ;  in- 
finitely more  so  than  it  could  have  been  by  all  the  obe- 
dience of  a  world  of  innocent  spotless  saints,  or  of  the 
whole  company  of  the  heavenly  host  of  angels  and  arch- 
angels. The  justice  of  God  cannot  condemn  us,  being 
"  accepted  in  the  Beloved."  God's  faithfulness  and  truth 
cannot  condemn,  they  are  engaged  for  the  righteous. 
"  God  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins  and  to 
cleanse  from  all  unrighteousness." 

Lo,  thus  is  the  man  blessed  that  believeth  in  Jesus : 
he  is  righteous  in  him,  through  faith ;  yet  not  faith,  but 
Jesus  alone  is  his  righteousness.  He  that  abides  in  Jesus, 
enjoys — what  1  perfect  freedom  from  the  being  of  sini 
No  ;  but  this  blessedness,  perfect  freedom  from  all  con- 
demnation for  sin.  Being  passed  from  death  to  life,  he 
brings  forth  fruit  to  the  glory  of  God :  and  has  inherit- 
ance among  them  who  are  sanctified  by  faith  which  is 
in  Jesus.  Acts,  26  :  18. 


Jan.  15. — Who  can  understand  his  errors?  cleanse  thou  me  from 
secret  faults.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptu- 
ous sins  ;  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me.     Psa.  19 :  12,  13. 

As  faith  gives  a  holy  boldness  at  the  throne  of  grace, 


30  JANUARY  15. 

so  the  regenerate  soul  is  open  and  ingenuous  in  confes- 
sion of  sin.  When  sin  is  dethroned  in  the  heart,  the 
most  secret  faults  bow  it  in  humility  before  the  Lamb. 
To  his  precious  blood  the  believer  has  recourse  for 
cleansing  ;  he  finds  daily  need  of  it.  He  cannot  under- 
stand all  his  errors.  Many  secret  faults  cleave  unto 
him.  He  is  sensible  that  even  these  must  be  washed 
awa}'',  lest  they  defile  his  conscience  and  spread  a  cloud 
over  his  mind.  It  is  the  peculiar  wisdom  of  disciples  not 
only  to  observe  the  bud,  blossom,  and  fruit  of  sin  ;  but 
also  to  consider  the  evil  root,  the  polluted  nature  from 
which  it  springs.  Here  is  the  exercise  of  watchfulness. 
This  calls  for  their  daily  prayer  to  be  kept  by  the  power 
of  God. 

Happy  souls !  who,  under  a  sense  of  peace,  through 
the  blood  of  Jesus,  are  daily  praying  to  be  kept  by  the 
grace  of  the  Spirit.  Such  truly  know  themselves,  see 
their  danger  of  falling,  will  not,  dare  not -palliate  the 
odious  nature  of  sin,  nor  lessen  its  hateful  deformity. 
They  will  not  give  a  softer  name  to  sin  than  it  deserves, 
lest  they  depreciate  the  infinite  value  of  Jesus'  precious 
blood,  which  was  shed  to  atone  its  guilt.  Far  will  they 
be  from  flattering  themselves  into  a  deceitful  notiott 
that  they  are  perfect,  and  have  no  sin  in  them.  The 
Spirit  of  truth  delivers  them  from  such  errors  ;  he  teach- 
es them,  as  poor  sinners,  to  look  to  the  Saviour,  and  be- 
seech him  to  keep  back  the  head-strong  passions,  the 
unruly  lusts,  which  dwell  in  their  sinful  natures.  Alas  ! 
the  most  exalted  saint,  the  most  established  believer,  if 
left  to  himself,  how  soon  might  the  blackest  crimes,  the 
most  presumptuous  sins,  get  dominion  over  him!  David 
had  woful  experience  of  this  for  a  season..  He  prays 
from  a  heart-felt  sense  of  past  misery  and  dread  of  fu- 
ture danger.  And  he  found  the  blessing  of  that  cove- 
nant promise — 0  believer,  may  it  be  the  exercise  of  thy 
faith,  daily  to  live  upon  it,  daily  to  plead  it  before  thy 


JANUARY  16.  3i 

Saviour — "  Sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you  ;  for 
ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace."  Rom.  6  :  14^. 
Why  shall  not  sin  lord  it  over  the  conscience  of  a  be- 
liever 1  Because  the  grace  of  Jesus  reigns  for  him,  and 
in  him.  He  saith,  "I  will  put  my  fear  in  their  hearts, 
that  they  shall  not  depart  from  me."  Jer.  32  :  40.  0 
soul !  ever  cherish  this  blessed  fear.  "  Happy  is  the 
man  who  feareth  alway  :  but  he  who  hardeneth  his  heart 
shall  fall  into  mischief."  Prov.  28  :  14. 

"  O  who  can  ever  find 

*'  The  errors  of  his  ways  1 
"  Yet  with  a  bold  presumptuous  mind 

"  I  would  not  dare  transgress. 
"  Warn  me  of  every  sin, 

"  Forgive  my  secret  faults, 
"  And  cleanse  this  guilty  soul  of  mine, 

"  Whose  crimes  exceed  my  thoughts." 


Jan.  16. — If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments.  And  I  will 
pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that 
he  may  ahide  with  you  for  ever  ;  even  the  Spirit  of  truth, 
John,  14  :  15,  &c. 

He  would  be  a  traitor  and  a  rebel,  who  should  dare 
set  up  his  standard,  demand  allegiance  from  the  king's 
subjects,  and  require  obedience  to  his  commands,  having 
no  right  to  the  crown.  So  Jesus,  if  he  were  not  King 
of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,  the  living  and  true  God  ; 
but  only  a  m.ere  man,  a  prophet  mighty  in  word  and  in 
deed,  a  very  good  man,  who  taught  the  best  morals  and 
set  a  good  example,  as  some  vainly  and  ignorantly  pre- 
tend— verily,  if  this  were  all,  we  christians  could  see  no 
goodness  in  him  ;  but  he  would  be  a  bold  usurper  against 
the  one  eternal  Jehovah,  striving  to  alienate  the  affec- 
tions of  the  heart  and  the  obedience  of  the  life  from  God, 
whom  alone  we  are  commanded  to  love  and  serve. 
Therefore,  "  If  ye  love  me  keep  my  commandments," 


32  JANUARY  16. 

saith  Jehovah  the  mighty  God  in  the  wonderful  man 
Christ  Jesus.  Disciples  know  his  voice.  In  love  he 
hath  done  all  things  for  our  salvation.  From  love  he 
requires  all  duty  from  us.  Obedience  without  love  is 
slavery:  love  without  obedience  is  dissimulation.  "In 
keeping  his  commandments  there  is  great  reward,"  en- 
joyed in  present  peace,  expected  in  future  hope ;  both 
are  the  fruits  of  free  grace  and  unmerited  love,  and  se- 
cured by  precious  promises. 

While  others  might  hear  of  Jesus,  and  talk  of  the 
miracles  he  wrought  in  the  days  of  his  flesh ;  yet  those 
disciples  only,  who  were  obedient  to  his  call  and  follow- 
ed him,  saw  his  glory  and  enjoyed  the  comforts  of  his 
presence.  So,  the  closer  disciples  walk  with  Jesus  in 
love  and  obedience,  the  more  they  enjoy  of  the  comforts 
of  faith.  And  besides  the  gift  of  faith,  as  an  evidence, 
they  shall  also  receive  the  comforting  witness  of  their 
being  the  children  of  God,  even  from  the  Spirit  of  truth  j 
another  Comforter,  who  shall  abide  with  them  for  ever, 
as  a  seal,  earnest,  and  pledge  of  their  future  glory.  So 
Jesus  prays  :  so  the  Father  bestows  :  so  the  Spirit  ap- 
plies and  comforts.  Glory  be  to  the  ever-blessed  Three 
who  thus  agree  in  one,  and  bear  witness  on  earth  of  sal- 
vation, to  the  comfort  and  joy  of  poor  sinners.  Love 
to  Jesus  is  the  spring  of  obedience.  Keeping  his  com- 
mandments is  the  way  i7i  which,  though  not  for  which, 
the  Spirit  assures  and  comforts  our  hearts.  "What  God 
hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder."  Matt. 
19  :  6.  "  If  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is 
none  of  his."  Rom.  8  :  9. 

"To  praise  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

"And  Spirit  all  divine, 
"  The  one  in  three,  and  three  in  one, 

"  Let  saints  and  angels  join." 


JANUARY  17.  33 

Jan.  17. — God^who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  dark' 
ness,  Jiath  shined  into  our  hearts^  to  give  us  the  knowledge 
of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  2  Cor.  4  :  6. 

This  is  a  glorious  confession  of  faith,  worthy  to  be 
written  in  letters  of  gold,  set  with  the  most  precious 
jewels,  and  ever  to  be  worn,  as  the  believer's  ornament 
and  glory.  For  here  is  the  rich  display  of  sovereign 
grace,  and  the  glory  of  almighty  power,  in  producing 
light  in  the  heart  of  sinners,  who  are  by  nature  not 
only  in  the  dark,  but  even  darkness  itself.  The  know- 
ledge of  Jesus  is  commanded  by  the  same  Omnipotent 
Agent  who  called  forth  light  in  the  beginning  upon 
this  dark  globe.  Light  gladdens  the  whole  creation 
of  nature  :  and  this  spiritua]  light  causeth  joy  in  the 
whole  soul  J  for  it  gives  the  knowledge  of  God's  glory. 
In  what  respect  1  that  God  is  glorious  in  majesty  1  O 
this  strikes  us  with  horror.  Glorious  in  power  1  That 
fills  us  with  terror.  Glorious  in  holiness  1  This  causes 
black  despair.  So  every  other  attribute  and  perfection 
of  Jehovah  must  sink  sinners  into  dread,  astonishment, 
and  death. 

But  here  is  our  relief — It  is  the  knowledge  of  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  person  of  the  anointed  Saviour.  In 
him,  God's  glorious  favor,  eternal  love,  everlastino- 
counsel  of  peace,  covenant  of  grace,  promises  of  mercj'', 
scheme  of  salvation,  shine  with  the  most  resplendent 
lustre.  Hence  pardon,  love,  peace,  joy.  holiness,  hope, 
security,  heaven  in  possession,  glory  in  reversion  ;  all, 
all  centre  in  the  person  of  Jesus.  Thus  we  behold  the 
glory  of  God  :  God  in  Christ !  This  is  the  only  comfort- 
able knowledge,  the  only  reviving  experience  of  the 
christian  heart.  And  here  we  see  how  inseparably  con- 
nected are  God's  glory  and  his  people's  welfare.  Eacli 
leads  to  the  other,  and  both  tend  to  lay  sinners  low  in 
humility,  and  sink  them  to  nothing  before  a  sovereign, 
2* 


34  JANUARY  18. 

gracious  Lord.  Could  a  dark  chaos  contrlKute  any  thing 
to  the  production  of  light  1  Canst  thou,  0  worm  of  the 
earth,  exert  any  power  to  cause  that  glorious  luminary 
the  sun  to  send  forth  its  reviving  beams  of  light  1  No  ; 
the  first  is  by  the  command  of  the  Sovereign  Agent ;  the 
latter  acts  by  the  laws  of  its  wise  Creator.  So  as  to  spi- 
ritual light,  saving  knowledge,  it  is  given  to  those  who 
sought  it  not ;  it  is  made  manifest  to  those  who  asked 
not  after  it.  What  then  becomes  of  human  merits  in  the 
business  of  our  salvation  1  O  thou  once  spiritually  blind 
and  dead  soul,  if  God  hath  commanded  the  light  and 
knowledge  of  Jesus  in  thine  heart,  all  boasting  is  ex- 
cluded ;  all  glorying  in  self  is  at  an  end.  Surely  thou 
wilt  say,  Thine  is  the  power  j  to  thee,  to  thee  alone,  Je- 
hovah, be  all  the  glory  !     • 


Jan.  18. — Who  being  the  Irightness  of  his  glory ^  and  the  ex' 
press  image  of  his  person,  and  upholding  all  things  by  the 
ivord  of  his  power,  when  he  had  by  himself  purged  our  sins^ 
sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high, 
Hebrews,  1  :  3. 

What  St.  Paul  says  of  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  (1 
Cor.  15,)  may,  with  equal  truth,  be  applied  to  his  divini- 
ty :  if  Jesus  be  not  truly  and  essentially  the  self-existing 
God,  "  all  preaching  is  vain  ;  all  faith  is  vain ;"  all  the 
saints  of  God  must  perish  in  their  sins.  But  we  have 
not  so  learned  Christ,  if  so  be  we  have  heard  him,  and 
know  the  truth  as  it  is  in  him.  His  eternal  power  and 
Godhead  angels  adore,  while  devils  tremble  arid  saints 
rejoice.  Only  poor,  blinded,  proud  sinners  dare  cavil 
against  and  deny  it. 

That  Jesus  is  both  Lord  and  God,  lies  at  the  founda- 
tion of  our  faith.  That  he  upholds  all  things  by  the  word 
of  his  power,  is  the  joy  of  our  hearts.  That,  as  man,  he 
hath  purged  our  sins,  causes  all  our  hope  and  comfort. 


JANUARY  1§.  35 

That  he  is  entered  into  heaven  for  us,  and  there  pleads 
our  cause,  is  the  glory  of  our  souls.  For  our  hope  en- 
tereth  into  that  within  the  veil.  There  Jesus,  our  fore- 
runner, is  for  us  entered.  On  this  rock  Christ's  church 
is  built,  and  neither  the  powers  of  earth  and  sin,  nor  the 
gates  of  hell  shall  prevail  against  it.  When  the  Spirit 
brings  the  soul  up  to  Nebo,  the  mount  of  prospect  and 
prophecy,  it  has  glorious  views  of  the  inheritance,  it 
speaks  of  it,  and  the  graces  of  faith,  hope,  love,  peace, 
and  joy  abound  in  the  heart. 

But,  alas !  all  is  barren  as  a  wilderness,  unfruitful  as  a 
desert,  while  sin,  in  its  guilt  and  punishment,  is  not 
known  and  believed  to  have  been  purged  by  the  blood 
of  Jesus.  This  is  the  only  remedy  for  sin-burdened  souls, 
the  most  reviving  cordial  for  drooping  spirits.  That 
same  blood,  which  was  all-sufficient  to  purge  away  sin 
in  the  court  of  heaven,  is  also  all-sufficient  to  cleanse 
the  guilt  of  it  from  the  conscience.  Sweet  consolation 
for  the  members  of  Jesus!  Their  living  Head,  inhuman 
form,  is  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  in  glory ;  the 
blessed  object  to  whom  we  are  ever  to  look,  through 
whom  every  comfort  flows,  and  in  whom  is  our  hope 
in  every  conflict  with  sin  and  Satan.  What  then  doth 
this  doctrine  teach  usl  That  our  hearts  should  ascend 
up  to  our  Saviour.  But  how  1  By  faith.  "  Christ  dwells 
in  our  hearts  by  faith."  Eph.  3  ;  17.  And  by  faith  our 
hearts  ascend  to  and  dwell  with  him.  And  this  is  the 
reasoning  of  faith  :  "  If,  w^hen  we  were  enemies,  we 
were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son,  much 
more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by  his  life." 
Romans,  5  :  10.  i 


Jan.  19. — Keep  yourselves  in  the  love  of  God.    Jude,  21. 

The  love  of  God,  like  every  other  attribute  and  per- 
fection of  Jehovah,  is  everlasting  and  unchangeable  : 


36  JANUARY  19. 

even  as  the  essence  of  God  himself.  This  love  is  ma- 
nifested to  his  people  in  Christ  Jesus.  He  is  the  object 
in  whom  they  are  viewed  and  loved  by  the  Father.  As 
''Jesus  is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever  j" 
so  is  God's  love  towards  them.  Time,  with  all  its  con- 
curring circumstances,  can  make  no  alteration  or  change, 
increase  or  diminution  herein.  But,  as  to  the  sense  and 
enjoyment  of  this  love,  the  word  of  truth  and  expe- 
rience of  saints  plainly  testify  of  its  ebbing  and  flowing, 
its  fervor  and  abatement  in  the  soul.  Hence  the  necessi- 
ty of  those  tender  calls,  kind  warnings,  and  loving  coun- 
sels, addressed  to  believers  in  the  word  of  truth;  be- 
cause they  are  ever  to  be  active,  as  those  who  are  made 
alive  to  God,  and  have  their  senses  exercised  to  discern 
between  good  and  evil.  Exhortations  excite  jealousy 
and  quicken  diligence.  The  enjoyment  of  the  love  of 
God  is  our  heaven  below  ;  to  keep  ourselves  in  the  hap- 
py sense  of  it  is  our  highest  privilege,  our  greatest  hap- 
piness. Keep  ourselves  in  the  love  of  God  !  Yes.  Howl 
Use  every  means  which  love  commands.  Avoid  all  things 
which  love  forbids.  Account  not  this  legal.  Those  who 
do,  have  only  the  notion  of  love  in  the  head,  but  are 
strangers  to  the  constraints  of  God's  love  in  the  heart. 
Wouldst  thou  ever  enjoy  love,  O  christian  X  Be  much 
in  meditation  upon  it,  think  daily,  constantly  of  that 
unparalleled  instance  of  it :  God  so  loved  the  \vorld  as 
to  give  his  only  begotten  Son  Jesus,  to  atone  for  sin  by 
his  precious  blood,  to  justify  sinners  by  his  perfect 
righteousness.  Dost  thou  know  this  by  the  Gospel  1 
This  is  love  revealed.  Dost  thou  believe  this,  in  thine 
heart,  by  the  Spirit  1  This  is  love  felt  and  enjoyed.  All, 
all  flows  from  the  rich,  transcendently  rich  love  of  God 
in  Christ  Jesus.  0  be  concerned  daily  to  keep  thy  soul 
in  and  under  a  lively  sense  of  this  love !  and  also  keep 
thyself,  by  this  love,  from  all  worldly  and  forbidden  in- 
dulgences.   Thy  flesh  may  covet  them  3  but  by  the  love 


JANUARY  20.  37 

of  God,  by  his  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  for  thy  soul's 
sake,  abstain  from  them.  Know  verily,  as  hurtful  food 
will  impair  the  health  of  thy  body  j  so  these  things  will 
as  certainly  rob  thy  soul  of  its  peace,  damp  the  warm 
sense  of  God's  love,  and  render  thee  indifferent  and 
lifeless  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  love  of  God.  Thus  saith 
the  God  of  love,  ''  Consider  your  ways."  Haggai,  1  :  5. 


Jan.  20. — But  Jesus  answered  her  not  a  word.     Matt.  15 :  26. 

What !  not  a  word  from  the  compassionate  Saviour, 
who  is  touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities  1  Is  he 
deaf  to  the  cries  and  dumb  to  the  entreaties  of  a  dis- 
tressed, sorrowful  heart  1  No :  love  in  the  heart  has 
always  an  ear  open  to  complaints,  a  tongue  ready  to 
speak  comfort,  and  a  kind  hand  to  relieve.  But  love  af- 
flicts, to  bring  his  children  to  him,  and  make  them  call 
upon  him :  he  forbears  to  answer,  that  they  may  be  the 
more  importunate.  God's  delays  prove  faith's  vigor, 
make  love  cling  closer,  prayer  more  fervent,  and  pa- 
tience shine  brighter.  By  these  means  the  graces  of 
God's  children  are  drawn  forth  into  lively  exercise,  and 
are  made  manifest  that  they  are  wrought  by  God.  Perse- 
verance obtains  the  blessing  in  due  time.  Jesus  honors 
and  applauds  the  grace  of  his  beloved  members  with,  0 
man,  O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith ! 

Christ  well  knew  what  work  he  had  wrought  in  this 
poor  humble  supplicant's  heart,  whereby  she  knew  Jesus 
to  be  Lord  and  God  j  therefore  he  proved  her,  and  tried 
her,  that  her  faith  might  chine  brighter  to  his  glory  and 
her  soul's  comfort.  As  she  possessed  the  same  faith,  so 
she  discovers  the  same  resolution  as  Job,  "  Though  he 
slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  him."  Job,  13  :  15.  And,  with 
Jacob,  she  would  wrestle,  and  her  heart  determined, 
'  I  will  not  let  thee  go  except  thou  bless  me."  Genesis, 
32  :  26. 


38  JANUARY  'il. 

But  the  silence  of  Jesus  was  very  disheartening ;  when 
he  spake,  it  was  quite  discouraging.  Though  she  wor- 
shipped him,  and  sighed  out,  "  Lord,  help  me  ;"  yet 
Jesus  seems  rather  to  repulse  than  comfort  her.  But 
true  faith  ever  sinks  the  soul  low  in  humility,  while  it 
clings  close  to  the  most  high  God.  The" soul  owns  its 
vileness  and  utter  unworthiness,  and  fixes  all  its  plea 
upon  mere  mercy,  all  its  hopes  upon  Jesus  only.  Thus 
Christ  empties  whom  he  delights  to  fill.  He  makes  us 
see  and  confess  ourselves  to  be  dogs,  fit  only  to  feed 
under  the  table  ;  though  he  loves  us  as  children,  and  all 
that  he  hath  is  ours  by  free  gift,  precious  promise,  and 
rich  grace.  Thou  poor,  fearing,  doubting  soul,  who  hast 
long  been  seeking,  waiting,  and  praying  for  comfort  by 
a  word  or  look  from  Jesus,  take  courage.  Ever  trust  in 
him  who  saith,  '^  I  have  satiated  the  weary  soul,  and  I 
have  replenished  every  sorrowful  soul."  Jer.  31  :  25. 
Mark  the  result  to  this  believing,  importunate,  waiting 
Avoman  :  "Be  it  unto  thee,  even  as  thou  wilt,"  was  the 
answer,  replete  with  all  comfort  and  joy.  "  The  Lord  is 
a  God  of  judgment;  blessed  are  all  they  who  wait  for 
him."    Isaiah,  30  :  18. 

"  My  spirit  looks  to  God  alone : 
"  My  rook  and  refuge  is  his  throne: 
"  In  all  my  fears,  in  all  my  strai 
"  My  soul  on  his  salvation  waits. 


Jan.  21. — Our  Gospel  came  not  to  you  in  word  onli/,  but  also 
in  poicer,  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in  much  assurance. 
1  Thessalonians,  1 :  5. 

Though  sin,  salvation,  death,  judgment,  eternity,  are 
subjects  of  the  highest  moment  to  us  all,  yet  we  natu- 
rally think  of  them  with  little  concern,  speak  of  them 
with  great  indifference,  and  treat  the  consideration  of 
them  as  Felix  did  Paul,  "Go  thy  way  for  this  time  j 


JANUARY  21.  39 

when  I  have  a  convenient  season  I  will  call  for  thee*" 
Acts,  24  :  25.  And  yet,  perhaps,  such  have  long  sat  under 
a  preached  Gospel ;  greatly  applaud  the  preachers,  and 
are  ready  to  condemn  others  who  do  not  see  and  admire 
their  excellency.  But,  alas !  what  are  the  most  excel- 
lent words  of  man  without  the  power  of  the  Spirit  % 
Light  as  air  j  ineffectual,  to  the  saving  of  the  soul,  as 
sounding  brass  or  a  tinkling  cymbal. 

The  grand  question  is.  Have  I  inwardly  known  and 
felt  the  power  of  the  Gospel  1  It  has  an  internal  voice  : 
it  speaks  glad  tidings,  good  news,  of  life  and  salvation 
to  the  very  soul :  it  is  the  word  of  power,  to  quicken 
dead  souls  to  life  :  it  is  a  revelation  to  the  heart,  of  par- 
don and  peace  by  Jesus  Christ.  Thus  it  brings  the 
clearest  evidence,  the  fullest  assurance  along  with  it, 
that  it  is  God's  word  of  life  and  salvation.  The  Holy 
Ghost  bears  witness  to  it,  in  power  and  demonstration. 
Blessed  souls !  who  are  divinely  assured  of  the  truths 
of  Gospel  grace  and  love  by  Christ  5  who  embrace  the 
Gospel  as  their  only  hope,  flee  and  cleave  to  Jesus  as 
their  only  refuge.  But  more  blessed,  yea,  most  happy 
those  believing  souls  who  are  upon  the  delectable  moun- 
tains, and  enjoy  much  assurance  of  their  own  personal 
interest  in  Jesus,  and  eternal  life  through  him ;  and  by 
the  Holy  Ghost  are  enabled  to  say,  "  I  know  that  Jesus 
loved  mc  and  died  for  me."  0  this  privilege  is  most 
highly  to  be  prized !  it  deserves  the  most  earnest  press- 
ing after. 

This  only  can  deliver  the  soul  from  all  doubts  and 
fears,  inflame  it  with  most  ardent  love,  inspire  it  with 
holy  boldness,  influence  it  to  most  cheerful  obedience 
and  resignation  to  afflictive  allotments,  wing  it  with 
holy  longings  after  Christ  and  eternal  glory,  and  make 
it  joyfully  triumphant  over  the  tyrant  death,  with 
"  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  giveth  us  the  victory,  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."   1  Cor.  15  :  57.   Does  God  love 


40  JANUARY  22. 

his  people  in  Christ  with  an  everlasting  love  1  does  he 
will  their  salvation,  and  that  they  should  clearly  know 
and  be  comfortably  assured  of  this  1  Most  certainly  ;  for 
he  exhorts  them  to  give  all  '^  diligence  to  the  full  assur- 
ance of  hope."  Heb.  6:11. 


Jan.  22. — He  Uiat   achiowledgeth   the    So7i,    hath  the  Father 
also.  1  John,  2  :  23. 

If  so,  we  cannot  pay  too  much  homage,  nor  ascribe 
too  great  glory  to  Christ.  Did  he  receive  from  God  the 
Father  honor  and  glory,  by  this  voice  from  the  excel- 
lent glory,  "  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well 
pleased  1"  2  Peter,  1  :  17.  Is  it  the  Father's  will  "  that 
all  men  should  honor  the  Son,  even  as  they  honor  the 
Father  1"  Doth  Christ  say,  '^  He  that  honoreth  not  the 
Son,  honoreth  not  the  Father  that  sent  him  1"  John, 
5  :  23.  May  we  rot  then  boldly  saj'-,  with  Paul,  on  an- 
other occasion,  ''  As  the  truth  of  Christ  fs  in  me,  no 
man  shall  stop  me"  of  this  glorying  in  Jesus  as  my 
Lord,  my  God.  Yea,  we  will  acknowledge  him  in  his 
lowest  form  and  meanest  appearance  ;  as  the  babe  wrap- 
ped in  swaddling-clothes,  lying  in  a  manger,  a  destitute, 
outcast  infant,  obscure  and  mean  in  his  birth  and  parent- 
age, working  at  a  common  ordinary  employ,  without 
form  and  comeliness,  despised  and  rejected  of  men,  a 
man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted  vvith  grief,  mocked,  de- 
rided, laughed  to  scorn,  crowned  with  thorns,  condemn- 
ed and  crucified  as  an  accursed  wretch  unworthy  to  live, 
adjudged  fit  only  to  die  in  company  with  thieves  and 
highwaymen  on  a  gibbet  :  wholly  to  trust  in  this  man, 
this  God-man,  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  Root  and  Oflspring 
of  David,  this  is  "  the  faith  of  God's  elect."  '  This  is  the 
acknowledgment  of  the  truth  which  is  after  godliness. 
This  is  the  only  '^  hope  of  eternal  life,  which  God,  who 
cannot  lie,  promised  before  the  world  began."  Tit.  1  :  2. 


JANUARY  23.  41 

This  is  "  repentance  to  the  acknowledging  of  the  truth." 
2  Tim.  2  :  25.  Thus  are  simple,  believing  hearts  ''  com- 
forted, being  knit  together  in  love,  unto  all  riches  of  the 
full  assurance  of  understanding,  to  the  acknowledgment 
of  the  mystery  of  God,  and  of  the  Father,  and  of  Christ ; 
in  whom  are  hid  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  know- 
ledge." Col.  2  :  2,  3. 

In  this  rich  mine  of  truth  and  consolation  we  are  daily 
to  dig  for  all  wisdom,  holiness,  and  happiness.  In  this 
acknowledgment  of  the  Son  thus  saving  us  in  his  humble 
state,  we  have  the  Father's  rich  love  and  precious  pro- 
mises ',  and  the  Holy  Spirit's  power,  influence,  and  wit- 
ness. For  he  bears  witness  to,  and  takes  of  the  things 
of  Christ,  and  shows  them  to  us.  John,  16  :  15.  And 
thus  we  are  made  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  heavenly 
inheritance.    Be  ever  "  giving  thanks."  Col.  1  :  12. 


Jan.  23. — Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul?  and  ivhy 
art  thou  disquieted  within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God :  for  I 
shall  yet  praise  htm,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance, 
and  my  God.   Psalm  42  :  11. 

We  are  not  to  expect  the  sunshine  of  joy  all  through 
this  vale  of  tears.  Comfortable  frames  and  joyful  feel- 
ings, though  sweet  and  delightful,  are  not  always  most 
profitable.  Were  we  ever  on  the  mount  of  joy  we  should 
forget  that  we  are  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  earth,  be 
for  building  tabernacles  of  rest  in  a  polluted  place,  and 
cry  out,  with  the  highly-favored  disciples,  "  It  is  good 
for  us  to  be  here  ;"  but  they  knew  not  what  they  said. 
Luke,  9  :  33.  It  is  the  glory  of  a  christian  to  live  by 
faith  on  Jesus,  to  judge  of  his  love  from  the  word  of 
truth,  more  than  by  sense  and  feeling  :  yea,  under  de- 
jection and  disquiet  of  soul,  to  hope  and  trust  in  God, 
to  check  and  rebuke  one's  self  for  doubts  and  diffidence, 
is  the  real  exercise  of  faith.  Faith  supports  the  soul,  and 
Jfts  it  above  the  views  of  carnal  reason  and  the  sug- 


42  JANUARY  24-. 

gestions  of  sense.  The  believer  is  steadily  to  abide  by 
the  word  of  truth,  though  in  heaviness  for  a  season  ;  be- 
ing persuaded  that  shortly  he  shall  rejoice  in,  and  praise 
God  even  for  this  gloomy  dispensation  j  concluding  from 
the  word  of  God's  grace  and  faithfulness,  Jehovah  Jesus 
"  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God."  This 
is  the  very  joy  of  faith.  Such  was  the  sweet  experience 
of  David,  recorded  in  the  42d  and  43d  Psalms  for  our 
instruction. 

Disciple,  it  is  well  for  thee  to  learn  wisdom  hereby. 
The  state  of  thy  soul  may  vary  ;  but  the  foundation  of 
God's  love  standeth  sure,  his  promises  cannot  fail ;  the 
word  of  truth,  yea,  the  oath  of  Jehovah,  are  eijgaged  for 
the  strong  consolation  of  all  "  who  have  fled  to  Jesus 
for  refuge."  Heb.  6  :  18.  Thou  mayest  meet  with  many 
things,  from  within  and  without,  to  cast  down,  distress, 
and  disquiet  thee  ;  but  thou  art  called  to  look  to  Jesus, 
not  to  stagger  at  the  promises  through  unbelief;  but, 
like  the  father  of  the  faithful,  "  against  hope  to  believe 
in  hope  j"  not  to  consider  thine  own  corrupt  nature,  its 
proneness  to  evil,  its  enmity  to  grace,  so  as  to  give  up 
thy  hope.  There  is  ever  cause  of  humility,  but  no  rea- 
son for  casting  away  thy  confidence  in  Jesus.  Though 
thou  sinkest  to  hell,  in  the  view  of  thy  deserts,  yet, 
through  the  righteousness  of  Jesus,  salvation  is  procured 
for  the  hell-deserving.  Encourage  thy  soul  to  hope  in 
him,  so  shalt  thou  glorify  him.  ''  I  will  bless  the  Lord 
at  all  times,  his  praise  shall  continually  be  in  my 
mouth.  My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  the  Lord," 
Psalm  34  :  1,  2. 


Jan.  24. — Fo>-  this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord  thrice,  that   it 
might  depart  from  me.     2  Corinthians,  12  :  8. 

Our  Saviour  represents   God's  own   elect  as  crying 
day  and  night  to  him.    Luke,   18  :  7.     For  sore  tempta* 


JANUARY  24.  43 

tions,  soul-burdens,  Satan's  buffetings  are  peculiarly 
felt  by  them.  Their  crying  under  them  is  a  proof  of 
spiritual  life ;  their  crying  to  the  Lord  only  is  an  evi- 
dence of  the  faith  of  God's  elect ;  their  entreaties  to  be 
delivered  from  them  show  the  sanctified  nature  and 
holy  disposition  of  their  souls.  Thus  the  Lord  brings 
the  graces  of  his  children  into  exercise.  His  eyes  are 
ever  upon  them,  his  ears  open  to  their  prayers,  and  his 
almighty  power  and  grace  sufficient  to  deliver  them. 
But  his  time  is  best.  It  is  his  will  that  we  should  tell 
him  of  our  trials  and  temptations  ;  and  after  we  have 
done  this,  "  we  have  need  of  patience  "  to  wait  the  ful- 
filment of  his  promise.    This  is  our  duty. 

Paul  prayed  again  and  again  j  still  the  buffetings 
were  continued,  his  mind  was  harassed,  his  soul  dis- 
tressed, the  enemy  triumphed,  the  Lord  seemed  as 
though  he  heard  not.  ^Prayer  and  patience  must  go 
hand  in  hand.  Murmurings  are  the  offspring  of  unbe- 
lief. Fretfulness  arises  from  pride.  To  lie  humble  at 
the  feet  of  Jesus  is  our  wisdom.  Never  indulge  one 
hard  thought  of  our  Saviour's  will  to  make  thee  holy, 
or  his  power  to  make  thee  happy  ;  though  sin  and 
Satan,  like  unwelcome  visiters,  daily  intrude,  appear  in 
various  shapes,  attack  from  different  quarters,  and  seem 
to  gain  upon  thee  in  thought,  word,  or  action.  When 
inwardly  discomposed  by  unholy  tempers,  and  outward- 
ly harassed  by  various  temptations,  poor  souls  are  too 
ready  tn  think  the  war  will  end  in  their  destruction  ; 
that  Je&as  will  never  give  complete  victory.  But  he 
most  assuredly  will.  In  due  time  we  shall  reap,  if  we 
faint  not.  Let  it  suffice,  that  the  triumphant  Head  in 
glory  says  to  each  of  his  militant  members  on  earth, 
"  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  :  for  my  strength  is 
made  perfect  in  weakness."  This  was  the  precious, 
humbling,  joyful  lesson  Christ  taught  Paul ;  and  which 
he  will  also  make  all  his  dear  members  learn.    Importu- 


U  JANUARY  25. 

nate  praying-,  humble  waiting,  confident  believing,  com- 
fortable hoping,  are  of  the  very  life  and  essence  of  a 
christian.  And  let  our  besetting  temptations  and  con- 
flicting trials  be  what  they  may,  it  is  our  blessed  privi- 
lege to  write  with  the  pen  of  faith,  "  Who  or  what  shall 
separate  us  from  the  love  of  Christ  1  Nay,  in  all  things 
we  are  more  than  conquerors  through  him  that  loved 
us."    Romans,  8  :  35,  37. 

"  Let  me  but  hear  my  Saviour  say, 
"  Strength  shall  be  equal  to  thy  day  j 
"  Then  I  rejoice  in  deep  distress, 
"  Leaning  on  all-sufficient  grace." 


Jan.  25. — hsus  said  inito  him,  Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  To-day 
shall  thou  he  icith  me  in  paradise.     Luke,  S3  :  43. 

Unbelief,  how  great  its  power  !  how  strong  its  influ- 
ence !  It  would  for  ever  blind  all  our  eyes,  and  harden 
all  our  hearts  against  Jesus  and  his  grace  ;  but  "  he 
shall  divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong."  The  prophet's 
prediction  is  here  clearly  fulfilled,  the  sovereignty  of 
*  grace  fully  displayed.  Our  Lord's  doctrine  is  truly  ve- 
rified in  these  two  thieves:  ''One  shall  be  taken,  the 
other  left."  Matt.  24  :  40.  But  doth  our  Lord  bring  sin- 
ners to  glory  without  faith,  repentance,  and  holiness  1 
Doth  he  leave  his  people  to  continue  in  their  sin  and 
rebellion  1  No  ;  blessed  be  his  name,  Jesus  is  "  exalted 
to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour,  for  to  give  repent- 
ance and  remission  of  sins."  So  he  saves  "his  peo- 
ple from  their  sins."  So  he  makes  them  happy  in  his 
love,  by  the  secret  power  of  the  Spirit's  inward  opera- 
tions. Who  made  these  two  companions  iij  sin,  these 
blasphemers  of  Jesus  to  differ  1  Grace^  sovereign,  dis- 
tinguishing, almighty  grace  did  this  wonderful  work, 
*'  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes."  How  rapid  its 
power!  how   swift  its  course  !    in  one  moment  a  railer 


JANUARY  26.  45 

against  Jesus  is  changed  to  a  believer  in  him  ;  a  proud 
rebel,  to  an  humble  suppliant ;  a  self-justifying  sinner, 
to  a  Christ-exalting  saint ;  in  a  moment  converted,  par- 
doned, sanctified,  and  made  meet  for  glory  ;  to-day 
hell-deserving,  to-day  in  paradise.  Thus  the  thief  be- 
lieved with  his  heart,  unto  righteousness,  and  made  con- 
fession with  his  mouth  unto  salvation. 

What  hath  grace  done  !  what  is  it  not  able  to  effect ! 
Sweetest  encouragement  to  the  vilest  of  sinners  to  look 
to  Jesus :  strongest  assurance  for  the  v/eakest  believers 
to  abide  in  him.  "Lord  Jesus,  remember  me,"  pro- 
ceeds from  grace  in  the  heart  of  his  members.  "  Thou 
shalt  be  with  me  in  paradise  "  is  the  gracious  answer. 
It  was  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  that  saved  this  thief, 
this  highwayman,  and  translated  him  from  a  cross  on 
earth  to  a  crown  in  glory.  The  most  amiable  character, 
the  most  upright  person  hath  nothing  else  to  look  to,  or 
trust  in,  but  the  cross  of  Christ  alone  for  salvation. 
This  is  all  our  glorying.  By  the  death  of  Jesus  we  are 
saved.  Touched  by  the  cross,  we  live.  The  Spirit 
which  enables  the  soul  to  believe  on  Jesus,  conforms  it 
to  him,  makes  it  meet  for  the  heavenly  inheritance. 
Colossians,   1  :  12. 


Jan.  26. — Let  us  therefore  come  loldly  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
that  we  may  obtain  mercy ^  and  find  grace  to  help  in  every 
time  of  need.     Hebrews,  4:16, 

Very  few,  comparatively,  of  the  subjects  of  an  earthly 
monarch  are  permitted  free  access  to  him.  An  honor 
this,  too  great  to  be  common.  King's  courts  are  for  the 
noble.  The  poor  and  destitute,  the  miserable  and  dis- 
tressed have  no  admission  there.  But,  ye  poor,  distress- 
ed subjects  of  the  King  of  kings,  it  is  not  thus  with  you. 
Your  King,  though  ever  on  a  throne,  where  majesty  and 
glory  shine  with  brightest  lustre,  yet  freely  dispenses 


46  JANUARY  26. 

grace  and  mercy  to  iieedy  souls.  Hither  you  are  in- 
vited to  come;  yea  more,  to  come  boldly.  Whyl  be- 
cause you  are  "  rich,  and  increased  in  goods,  and  have 
need  of  nothing  V  Nay,  but  because  your  King  knows 
that  you  are  '^poor  and  miserable,  blind  and  naked"  in 
yourselves,  with  nothing  to  present  to  procure  his  fa- 
vor or  claim  his  acceptance  of  yOu.  But  he  loves  you, 
has  riches  for  your  poverty,  eye-salve  for  your  blindness, 
a  garment  for  your  nakedness,  a  robe  for  your  rags,  and 
mercy  for  your  misery ;  yea,  a  heaven  of  grace  for 
your  hell  of  deserts. 

Your  Mediator  with  his  blood,  your  High  Priest  with 
his  much  incense,  always  intercedes.  There  can  be  no 
period  of  your  life  but  is  a  time  of  need ;  but  who  has 
obtained  all  the  mercy,  who  has  found  all  the  grace 
which  can  be  dispensed  from  his  throne  1  Thou  art  still 
a  sinner,  and  wantest  both  mercy  and  grace  j  and  as 
thou  findest  thy  want,  thy  need,  hither  thou  mayest  al- 
ways repair  with  boldness,  and  ever  expect  a  rich 
supply.  For  God  the  Father  is  the  fountain  of  grace 
and  mercy.  Jesus  thy  Saviour  is  the  treasurer.  "All 
fulness  of  grace  dwells  in  him."  The  Spirit  is  the  dis- 
penser of  mercy  and  grace.  Why  then,  O  soul,  that 
backwardness  which  too  often  besets  thee  1  What  pri- 
vilege so  great  1     What  encouragement  so  strong  1 

"Come  with  boldness,"  yet  with  becoming  awe  and 
reverence.  Boldness  of  faith  is  grounded  on  something 
without  a  man,  on  nothing  in  him;  not  on  the  fervent 
heart  of  love,  the  bleeding  heart  of  repentance,  the 
active  life  of  obedience,  the  suffering  mind  of  patience  ; 
but  faith  fixes  on  Jesus,  and  the  believer  comes  with  an 
empty  heart  and  hand,  to  be  filled  with  the  free  gifts 
of  grace.  Sweetest  encouragement  from  the  Friend 
of  sinners!  "Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are 
heavy  laden,"  most  blessed  promise  !  "  and  I  will  give 
you  rest."  Matt.  11:28. 


JANUARY  S7.  47 

Jan.  27. — Vnio  you  who  believe,  he  is  precious.     1  Pet.  2 :  7. 

We  are  loved  with  precious  love  ;  redeemed  by  pre- 
cious blood  ;  comforted  by  precious  promises  j  justified 
by  precious  faith  j  yea,  righteousness,  holiness,  heaven, 
we  have  by  union  with  a  precious  Jesus.  Surely,  then, 
*'to  them  that  believe  he  is  precious."  Say,  ye  sons 
of  poverty,  ye  daughters  of  affliction,  is  this  a  time 
when  friends  grow  cool  and  desert  youl  But  in  such 
a  season  to  find  a  Friend  who  visited  you  in  your  dis- 
tress, was  ever  saying  kind  things  to  you,  ever  doing 
all  possible  good  for  you  j  when  in  prison  sought  you 
out  and  set  you  at  liberty,  when  sick  was  your  Physi- 
cian and  healed  you,  when  naked  clothed  you,  when  in 
abject  poverty  made  you  rich  j  and  thus  was  always 
pleased  when  he  could  make  you  easy  and  happy  :  say, 
is  not  this  a  Friend  of  ten  thousand!  a  Friend  who 
sticketh  closer  than  a  brother  1  Is  not  such  an  one 
precious  indeed  1 

All  this,  yea,  infinitely  more  than  all  this,  hath  Jesus 
done  for  a  poor  wretched  race  of  sinners.  Therefore 
he  is  indeed  to  them  a  precious  ''Friend,  who  loveth 
at  all  times:"  the  precious  "Brother,  who  is  born  for 
adversity."  Prov.  17  :  17.  "  He  is  the  same  yesterday, 
to-day,  and  for  ever."  Precious  in  what  he  hath  done 
yesterday — shed  his  blood  for  the  guilty ;  wrought  out  a 
righteousness  to  clothe  the  naked.  To-day  he  is  plead- 
ing our  cause  before  the  throne,  where  "  he  ever  lives 
to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  them  that  come  unto  God 
by  him."  Heb.  7:25.  He  makes  visits  of  love,  sends 
kind  tokens,  refreshing  manifestations,  causing  poor 
hearts  to  rejoice  in  him,  filling  them  with  peace  and 
comfort  from  him.  0  he  is  inestimably  precious  in 
what  he  is  doing,  and  in  what  he  will  do.  For  he  will 
never  leave  one  of  his  members  till  he  has  brought 
them  all  safe  through  a  wicked  world,  given  them  vic- 
tory over  all  sin,  Satan,  and  death,  and  lodged  them  in 


48  JANUARY  28. 

the  arms  of  his  embraces.  0  who  can  say  how  infi- 
nitely precious  Jesus  is  to  the  saints  above !  This  we 
must  die  to  know.  Though  now  we  know  but  in  part, 
and  see  but  in  part ;  yet  from  what  we  do  see  and 
know  by  faith,  we  can  say,  "  he  is  precious  indeed." 
However  distressing  our  circumstances,  yet  he  is 
Immanuel,  God  with  us.  Are  we  sick  of  sin  1  He  is 
our  Physician.  Is  sin  our  burden  1  He  is  our  Deliverer. 
Doth  the  law  accuse  and  condemn  usl  He  is  the  Lord 
our  righteousness.  Do  lust  and  corruption  rebell  He 
is  our  sanctification.  Do  the  world,  sin  and  Satan 
threaten  our  destruction!  He  is  Jesus,  our  salvation j 
our  all  in  all. 


Jan.  28. — Mi/  voice  sJialt  thou  hear  hi  the  morningy  O  Lord  ;  in 
the  morning  will  I  direct  my  grayer  unto  thee^  and  will  look 
up.     Psalm  5  :  3. 

In  the  Lord  we  all  live,  move,  and  have  our  being  ;  it 
is  therefore  the  indispensable  duty  of  all  to  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  But  what  is  a  duty  from  nature 
and  reason,  is  a  rich  privilege,  an  inestimable  blessing 
to  the  children  of  grace.  The  pouring  out  of  the  spirit 
of  grace  and  supplication  is  one  of  those  spiritual 
blessincrs  wherewith  we  are  blessed  in  Christ  Jesus.    In 

o 

the  exercise  of  this,  saints,  in  all  ages,  have  experi- 
enced sweet  fellowship  with  God,  and  have  been  in- 
dulged with  those  mercies  they  asked  of  him.  "  This 
is  the .  confidence  that  we  have  in  Him,  that,  if  we 
ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us." 
1  John,  5  :  14. 

Prayer  seems  to  have  been  the  first  employ  of  Da- 
vid's heart.  He  began  the  day  with  it.  So  soon  as  his 
eyes  were  favored  with  the  morning  light,  he  directed 
them  up  unto  the  Lord.  After  his  tongue  had  been 
locked  in  silent    sleep,   the    first    sound    of  his   voice 


JANUARY  29.  49 

breathed  an  address  to  his  God.  Why  is  this  holy 
man's  practice  recorded'?  Doubtless  for  our  instruc- 
tion ;  to  remind  us  that  it  is  sweet  to  begin  the  day 
with  God.  Better  to  go  from  the  throne  of  grace  into 
the  business  of  life,  than  to  delay  approaching  it  till 
worldly  concerns  have  intruded  on  our  minds.  Wisest 
to  seek  and  serve  our  best  Friend  first.  But,  is  it  not 
an  affecting  truth,  that,  though  a  throne  of  grace  is 
ever  accessible,  though  believers  may  always  approach 
thereto  in  Christ,  though  we  have  the  greatest  encou- 
ragements to  draw  nigh  to  God,  though  we  have  so 
many  strong  corruptions  and  sinful  passions  ever  ready 
to  break  out,  w^e  are  yet  so  often  beset  with  backward- 
ness to  prayer  1  May  we  not  justly  charge  most  of  our 
sins  and  failings,  and  the  breaking  forth  of  our  unholy 
tempers,  to  the  neglect  of  this  duty  1  How  ought  we  to 
begin  each  day  with  seeking  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  to 
enable  us  to  mortify  sin  and  live  unto  God !  We  com- 
plain of  deadness  and  barrenness  of  soul  j  who  can  en- 
liven and  make  us  fruitful  but  our  dear  Lord,  whom  we 
neglect  to  cry  unto  ]  If  thine  outward  walk  is  a  re- 
proach, if  the  peace  of  thy  mind  is  ruffled  and  dis- 
turbed through  want  of  peace  and  power  from  Jesus, 
does  not  thy  closet  testify  against  thee  as  too  much 
neglected  1  May  not  this  accusation  be  justly  charged 
upon  us,  "  Ye  have  not,  because  ye  ask  not  1"  James, 
4:2.  But  our  Beloved  invites.  His  command  is  for 
our  blessing.  ''  Ask,  and  ye  shall  receive,  that  your 
joy  may  be  full."     John,  16  :  24. 


Jan.  29. — Follow  peace   with   all   men,  and  holiness,  without 
ivhich  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.     Hebrews,  12  :  14. 

*'He  that  believeth«hall  be  saved."  This  is  the  im- 
mutable decree  of  the  God  of  truth.  As  without  holi- 
ness no  man  shall  see  the  Lord,  so  no  man  can  be  holy 

o 

S.  Treasury.  ^ 


50  JANUARY  29. 

without  faith  in  Jesus.  But  this  is  the  peculiar  blessed- 
ness of  every  believer  :  he  is  '^  sanctified  by  faith  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus."  Acts,  26  :  18.  All  such  are  "  called 
to  be  saints,"  1  Cor.  1:2;  called  to  holiness  of  life  and 
conversation. 

Gospel  exhortations  are  suited  to  the  spiritual  state 
of  regenerate    souls.     They   are    the    subjects    of   the 
Prince   of  peace ;  are   at  peace  with  God,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.     As,  agreeable   to  their   character, 
to  the  will    of  God,  and  for  the  peace   of  their   own 
minds,  they  are  ever  to  study  and  endeavor  to  follow 
peace  with  all  men,  consistent  with  faith   and  a  good 
conscience ;  so,  being  holy  members  of  the  holy  Jesus, 
beloved  children  of  a  holy  God,  subjects  of  a  holy  Spi- 
rit, called  by  a  holy   Gospel,  partakers  of  a  holy  faith, 
heirs  of  a  holy  kingdom,  they  are  all  the  way  of  their 
journey  thither  to   follow  holiness.      Partaking   of  the 
root  of  holiness,  by  union  with  Jesus   the  fruits  of  ho- 
liness will  be  produced.    Christ  is  the  way  wherein  we 
are  to  walk.     Conforntity  to   his  image  is  the   delight 
of  new-born  souls.    But    we  are    subjects  of  a  nature 
which   is  averse  to  this.    Still  we  know  that  holiness 
and  happiness  are   ever   inseparable.     Holiness  is  our 
vocation,  and  is  ever  to  be  our  constant  aim ;  not  to  re- 
commend us  to  God  to  procure  his  favor,  or  as  a  con- 
dition of  our  acceptance  in  his  sight  j  but  that  we  may 
glorify  him  "  who  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  Beloved." 
Saints  are   not  to   indulge  themselves  on  the  bed  of 
sloth,  dream  of  heaven,  and  vainly,  wish  to  cast  them- 
selves out  of  Delilah's  lap  of  worldly  pleasures  and  sin- 
ful gratifications,   into    Abraham's  bosom   of  heavenly 
joys.  But  we  are  studiously  to  avoid  every  thing  which 
is  contrary  to  the  nature  of  true  holiness  ;    and  ever 
to  be  diligent  in  the  use  of  thos^ means  which,  through 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  may  increase  our  love 
of  holiness,  and  cause  us  to  abound  in  the  practice  of 


JANUARY  30.  51 

it.  True,  we  have  innumerable  enemies  from  within 
and  without,  to  oppose  our  progress  in  holiness.  So 
much  the  more  need  of  diligence  and  activity.  We 
know  the  delicious  fruits  of  happiness  grow  only  in 
the  paths  of  holiness.  The  Lord's  strength  is  for  us. 
Great  and  precious  promises  are  given  us.  All  to  en- 
courage us  ''  to  serve  him  without  fear,  in  holiness 
and  righteousness  before  him,  all  the  days  of  our  life  " 
Luke,  1  :  74,  75. 


Jan.  30. — And  now,  Lord,  ichat  wait  I  for?  mi/  hope  is  in  thee. 
Psalm  39  :  7. 

What  a  blessing  is  inward  composure  of  mind  !  How 
delightful  an  exercise  is  waiting  upon  the  Lord!  What 
a  profitable  privilege  is  prayer !  How  happy  that  soul 
whose  hope  is  in  God !  These  are  all  sweet  attendants 
upon,  and  promoted  by  the  grace  of  faith  in  Christ  Jesus. 
While  that  grows  strong  in  the  soul,  we  are  lively  and 
comfortable.  Hence  the  disciples'  petition,  "  Lord,  in- 
crease our  faith,"  is  daily  needful.  Then  it  is  well  with 
the  sOul,  when  enabled  to  make  this  solemn  appeal  to 
its  Saviour,  "  Thou,  Lord,  knowest  what  I  long  for, 
what  I  wait  for,  even  the  spiritual  blessings  of  thy  king- 
dom J  to  be  more  inwardly  transformed  into  thine  image, 
more  perfectly  obedient  to  thy  will,  and  to  obtain  a  more 
complete  victory  over  my  worst  foes,  sin,  Satan,  and 
the  world." 

Verily,  the  heavenly-instructed  soul  knows  that  all 
this  is  of  God  by  Jesus  Christ ;  and  that  the  contrary 
to  all  this  is  from  the  lusts  that  dwell  in  him,  and  evils 
that  surround  him :  therefore  God  alone  is  his  hope. 
His  hope  is  not  in  his  graces,  his  feelings,  his  frames, 
his  comforts,  but  in  the  God  of  all  grace  ;  not  in  the 
streams,  but  in  the  fountain  ;  not  in  what  he  has  re- 
ceived, but  in  the  infinite  fulness  which  is  treasured  up 


52  JANUARY  31. 

in  Jesus  for  the  needy.  Hope  of  salvation  in  Jesus  is 
our  helmet.  Faith  guards  the  heart.  Hope  fortifies 
the  head.  Hence  the  christian  lifts  up  his  head  in  the 
day  of  battle,  and  in  the  hour  of  temptation.  His  head 
being  thus  armed,  he  dreads  not  Divine  wrath,  Satan's 
terrors,  the  law's  threatenings. 

Thou  man  of  God,  consult  not  thy  carnal  reason^ 
consider  not  thy  body,  which  is  dead  because  of  sin ; 
but  know  that  thy  spirit  is  life,  because  of  righteousness. 
Though  the  law  is  weak  through  the  flesh,  yet  grace 
reigns;  and  through  Gospel  grace  thou  hast  great  and 
precious  promises  to  encourage  thee  to  hope  confidently, 
and  the  omnipotent  power  of  the  Spirit  to  work  in  thee, 
to  make  thee  go  on  cheerfully ;  while  Jesus  is  the  stay 
of  thine  heart,  to  uphold  and  strengthen  thee.  Fear 
not:  only  believe;  greater  is  Jesus  than  all  thine  ene- 
mies. ''  Stronger  is  he  who  is  for  us,  than  all  that  are 
against  us."  Verily  thou  shalt  not  be  disappointed  of 
thy  hope,  seeing  it  is  in  the  Lord.  Where  Jesus  is  the 
object  of  faith,  and  the  anchor  of  hope  is  cast  within 
the  veil,  the  soul  shall  safely  and  comfortably  weather 
out  every  storm,  and  assuredly  obtain  the  haven  of 
eternal  rest.  By  faith  we  possess  the  promises.  Hope 
expects  the  perfect  fulfilment  of  them.  In  waiting,  we 
renew  our  strength.  Isaiah,  40  :  31. 

"  Wait  on  the  Lord,  ye  trembling  saints,* 

"  And  keep  your  courage  up ; 
"  He'll  raise  your  spirit  when  it  faints, 

"  And  far  exceed  your  hope." 


Jan.  31. — Neither  pray  I  for  these  olonc,  hut  for  them  also 
that  shall  believe  on  me  through  their  word.  John,  17  :  20. 

What  a  rich  fund  of  comfort  is  here  for  every  be- 
liever in  the  Lamb !  His  loving  heart  was  not  contract- 
ed, nor  his  eyes  of  compassion   confined   to  the  little 


JANUARY  31.  53 

flock  now  with  him ;  but  he  looked  forward  in  love,  his 
bowels  of  tender  mercy  yearned  over,  and  his  innocent 
tongue  pleaded  in  behalf  of  all  the  tender  lambs  of  his 
flock,  through  all  succeeding  ages,  in  every  period  of 
time.  Yea,  ere  they  had  a  being  in  the  world,  or  faith 
in  their  hearts,  they  had  an  interest  in  Jesus'  prayers ; 
for  they  were  given  to  him  by  the  Father.  Methinks 
one  hears  some  poor  doubting  member  of  Jesus  saying, 
"Ah,  if  I  was  but  sure  my  worthless  name  was  written 
in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life,  if  I  could  but  know  his 
heart  of  love  was  towards  poor  sinful  me,  that  I  was  in- 
cluded in  the  happy  catalogue  of  those  Jesus  prayed 
for,  0  how  happy,  how  joyful  should  I  be !"  Here,  thy 
Lord  has  answered  thy  request.  Read  it  for  the  joy  of 
thy  heart  and  the  establishment  of  thy  soul  in  faith  and 
love.  Hast  thou  heard  the  apostolic  truth.  Salvation  by 
Jesus  Christ  1  Is  it  glad  tidings  to  thy  heart  %  Dost  thou 
believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  only  Saviour  of  the  lost 
and  guilty  1  as  the  only  hope  for  thy,  otherwise,  hope- 
less souH.  If  so,  verily  thou  hast  as  much  reason  to 
conclude  Jesus  prayed  for  thee,  a«  if  thy  name  were 
written  at  full  length  in  this  very  petition.  Jesus  prays 
for  all  who  shall  believe  on  him  through  the  apostle's 
word. 

The  whole  of  salvation  is  sure  to  all  believers,  even 
the  weakest  of  all,  from  the  covenant,  from  Jesus,  from 
the  Spirit,  and  from  the  oath  and  promise-s  of  God. 
Though  there  is  a  sea  of  corruption  and  sin  in  thy  na- 
ture, a  world  of  temptations  around  thee,  legions  of 
devils  in  battle-array  against  thy  poor  soul  j  yet  as  thou 
hast  the  faith  of  God's  elect  in  thine  heart,  be  it  ever 
so  weak,  thou  art  possessed  of  a  precious  jewel,  which 
is  the  inestimable  gift  of  God's  Holy  Spirit.  And  verily, 
so  sure  as  Jesus  prayed  this  prayer  on  earth  unto  his 
Father,  thou,  even  thou,  wast  in  his  all-seeing  eye,  hadst 
a  place  in  his  loving  heart,  and  hast  an  interest  in  his 


54.  FEBRUARY  1. 

finished  salvation.  That  prayer,  '^  Father,  I  will  that  they 
also,  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am, 
that  they  may  behold  my  glory,"  verse  24,  shall  be  an- 
swered, while  you  ascribe  salvation  to  God  and  the  Lamb 
through  the  happy  ages  of  a  never-ending  eternity. 


Fehruary, 

Feb.  1. — I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills,  from  whence 
Cometh  my  help.  Psalm  121  :  1. 

The  most  comforting  subject  to  a  spiritual  mind,  is 
"  God  in  Christ  reconciled  to  us,  not  imputing  our  tres- 
passes unto  us."  The  hills  afford  us  a  pleasing  idea  of 
Jesus.  As  they  are  parts  of  the  same  earth  with  the 
lowest  valley ;  so  Jesus  was  found  in  fashion  as  a  man ; 
took  on  him  the  same  nature,  and  was  in  all  things  like 
unto  his  brethren,  sin  only  excepted.  Wherefore  "  God 
hath  highly  exalted  him,  and  given  him  a  name  above 
every  name ;"  Phil.  2:9;  even  the  precious  name, 
Jesus,  the  Saviour.  We  can  never  dwell  too  much 
upon  the  human  form  and  humble  appearance  of  him, 
while  we  entertain  the  most  exalted  ideas  of  his  eternal 
power  and  godhead.  ''  He  bore  our  sins,  and  carried 
our  sorrows ;"  all  our  help  is  laid  upon  him,  all  our 
hope  is  in  him,  and  all  our  help  cometh  from  him.  And 
for  the  encouragement  of  faith,  his  word  assures  us  of 
his  love  towards  sinners,  and  his  power  to  help  them. 

Soldiers  of  Christ,  what  is  your  chief  business  on 
earth,  but  to  glorify  God  1  what  your  daily  work,  but 
"  to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  and  lay  hojd  on  eternal 
life  V  This  is  our  calling :  the  light  of  another  day  is 
vouchsafed  us.  But  whither  can  we  turn  our  eyes,  but 
enemies  surround  us  on  every  side  1  Yea,  from  within 
as  well  as  without.     And  can  we  experience  safety,  or 


FEBRUARY  2,  55 

walk  in  comfort,  but  while  our  eyes  are  up  to  Jesus  1 
He  is  entered  into  heaven,  ^'  to  appear  in  the  presence 
of  God  for  us."  Hebrews,  9  :  24.  He  says  to  us,  "  Look 
unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved."  Isaiah,  45  :  22. 

The  sight  of  sin  that  dwelleth  in  us  causeth  dejection. 
Looking  to  our  own  righteousness  and  fancied  excel- 
lence begets  pride  and  vain  confidence.  The  power 
and  subtilty  of  that  malicious  spirit,  "  the  prince  of  the 
power  of  the  air,"  is  enough  to  make  one  tremble.  This 
present  evil  world,  with  its  honors,  profits,  and  plea- 
sures, is  exactly  suited  to  our  carnal  nature.  Who  can 
withstand  its  smiles,  renounce  its  carnal  children,  and 
bear  their  reproaches'?  who  is  proof  against  these  po- 
tent adversaries  1  Verily,  with  all  knowledge  received, 
all  grace  communicated,  all  past  experience  enjoyed, 
we  shall  not  be  able  to  stand  and  maintain  our  ground, 
or  persevere  in  comfort,  if  we  are  not  continually  lifting 
up  our  eyes  and  "  looking  to  Jesus"  as  our  only  present 
help.  For  we  are  kept  by  his  mighty  power  to  salvation  ; 
but  let  us  ever  remember,  it  is  through  Christ-exalting 
faith.   1  Peter,  1  :  5 


Feb.  2. — Thy  word  ivas  unto  me  the  joy  and  rejoicing  of 
mine  heart :  for  I  am  called  hy  thy  name,  O  Lord  God  of 
hosts.  Jeremiah,  15  :  16. 

That  is  a  sweet  petition  in  the  service  of  the  church 
of  England ;  "  Grant,  0  Lord,  that  we  may  not  only 
hear,  read,  mark,  and  learn,  but  inwardly  digest  the  holy 
Scriptures."  So  soon  as  the  Lord  hath  fulfilled  this 
prayer  upon  any  poor  sinner,  then  Christ  is  the  hope  of 
his  soul,  he  esteems  the  Scriptures  as  his  daily  food, 
and  the  doctrines  of  grace  are  the  joy  and  rejoicing  of 
his  heart. 

Glory  to  our  loving  Shepherd,  he  finds  his  sheep, 
scattered  and  starving  upon  the  barren  mountains,  he 


56  FEBRUARY  2. 

leads  them  to  green  pastures  of  Gospel  grace  and  love ; 
there  they  feed,  and  lie  down,  beside  the  still  waters  of 
peace  and  salvation.  And  this  heightens  every  com- 
fort and  improves  every  joy,  even  an  inward  testimony, 
"I  am  called  by  thy  name,  O  Lord  God  of  hosts." 

How  happy,  when  minister  or  disciple  is  able,  in  sim- 
plicity and  godly  sincerity,  to  make  this  appeal,  "  Thou 
hast  called  me !"  Thou,  Jehovah,  who  rulest  over  the 
armies  of  angels  and  all  the  heavenly  host,  thou  hast 
condescended  to  make  known  thy  name,  thy  grace,  thy 
salvation  to  me,  even  wretched  me.  I  hear  thy  voice, 
I  know  thy  voice,  I  feel  desires  after  thee,  my  heart 
thinks  of  thee  with  pleasure  and  delight,  I  find  a  hun- 
gering and  thirsting  within  me,  which  nothing  but  thy 
blessed  self  can  satisfy ;  I  am  grieved  when  I  offend 
thee,  happy  only  when  thy  love  and  presence  are  en- 
joyed, and  am  concerned  that  I  enjoy  them  no  more. 
This  is  heaven  below.  Feeding  upon  the  word  of  truth 
increases  desires  after  Jesus,  the  object  of  faith.  So  the 
soul  also  becomes  dead  to  the  life  of  sense,  the  intru- 
sions of  sin,  the  allurements  of  the  world,  and  the  baits 
of  Satan.  Happy  those  in  whom  the  word  of  Christ 
dwells  richly  in  all  wisdom!  Happy  those  in  whose 
hearts  Christ  dwells  by  faith !  O  soul,  hast  thou  an  ap- 
petite to  feed  upon  the  Bible,  and  digest  it  1  Is  it  health 
and  nourishment  to  thee  1  Then  thou  art  blessed  with 
the  most  exquisitely  delicate  taste.  A  poor  sailor  was 
lately  cast  away,  lost  his  all,  was  almost  naked.  The 
first  half-crown  he  got,  he  inquired  where  to  make  a 
purchase — of  what,  think  you  1  O,  what  was  dearest  to 
his  heart — a  Bible.  Blessed  evidence  of  a  christian! 
"  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly.".  Col.  3  ;  16. 

"  The  volume  of  my  Father's  grace 

"  Doth  all  my  grief  assuage : 
"  Here  I  behold  my  Saviour's  face 

"Almost  in  every  page. 


FEBRUARY  3.  57 

".O  may  thy  counsels,  mighty  God, 

"My  roving  feet  command; 
"  Nor  I  forsake  the  happy  road 

"  That  leads  to  thy  right  hand." 


Feb.  3. — Ye  are  Christ's;  and  Christ  is  God's.  1  Cor.  3':  23. 

The  appstle  Paul  ransacks  heaven  and  earth,  time  and 
eternity,  to  make  up  the  christian's  ricii  catalogue  of 
mercies.  But,  as  though  the  utmost  stretch  of  thought 
of  men  or  angels  might  omit  some  part  of  the  believer's 
treasure  5  and  lest  any  thing  should  be  found  wanting 
for  support  and  comfort  to  any  needy  soul,  he  twice 
repeats,  "^//  things  are  yours."  Believer,  wouldst  thou 
know  thy  title  %  wouldst  thou  inquire,  "  Whence  is  it 
that  the  Lord  should  consign  such  innumerable  bless- 
ings, such  infinitely  rich  mercies  to  usl"  whereas  one 
thing  we  know,  and  feel  daily,  that  we  are  sinners  to  this 
very  hour.  And  will  not  this  prevent  the  right  to  pos- 
session, and  the  freedom  of  enjoyment  1  No:  justice 
and  wisdom  conspire  to  take  away  this,  and  every  ob- 
jection. The  medium  of  communication  is  such,  that 
neither  reason,  law,  nor  equity  can  gainsay  it. 

Dwell  on  this  point ;  look  up  to  the  Spirit  of  truth  to 
establish  faith,  strengthen  hope,  increase  love,  and  pro- 
mote joy.  "  Ye  are  Christ's,"  by  special  gift ;  his  dear 
purchase  and  his  precious  reward.  We  have  all  in  him, 
by  rich  love,  peculiar  grace,  free  gift,  and  precious  pro- 
mises. Precious  faith  is  the  blessed  evidence  of  inte- 
rest and  proprietorship  in  this  blessed  inventory.  But 
how  came  faith  1  From  hearing  the  word  of  God.  From 
whom  came  the  word  1  By  the  Spirit  of  truth,  who  also 
gives  faith.  Why  is  the  Spirit  given  %  Because  Jesus 
is  glorified.  Wherefore  came  Jesus,  to  seek  and  save 
the  lost  %  The  Father  loved  us,  and  gave  his  Son  for 
us.    Why  did  the  Father  love  usV  It  was  the  good 

3* 


58  FEBRUARY  4-. 

pleasure  of  his  will,  according  to  which  he  chose  us, 
in  Christ  Jesus,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world ; 
predestinated  us  to  the  adoption  of  children,  and  blessed 
us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in  him.  Eph.  1  :  3-5. 
Hence,  O  believer,  how  clear  thy  title!  how  certain 
thy  possession ! 

"  Christ  is  God's,"  God's  beloved  Son ;  so  art  thou 
in  him.  Christ's  is  God's  gift  for  thee,  God's  gift  to 
thee,  and  thou  art  given  to  him.  Thou  enjoyest  all  in 
him,  and  receivest  all  from  him.  Canst  thou  ever  want 
food  for  faith,  a  source  of  love,  a  fountain  of  holiness, 
or  a  spring  of  consolation  1  What  have  we  done,  or 
what  could  we  do,  to  get  an  interest  in  Christ,  or  pro- 
cure a  right  to  such  heavenly  treasures  1  Verily,  we 
have  done  enough  to  forfeit,  but  nothing  to  deserve  them. 
Know  this  and  be  humbled  j  consider  this,  and  be  joyful 
in  love  :  "  All  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled 
us  to  himself  by  Jesus  Christ."  2  Cor.  5  :^  18.  Improve 
your  blessed  privileges,  by  walking  worthy  of  the  Lord. 
Col.  1 :  10. 


Feb.  4. — Jesus  said,  One  thing  is  needful.  Luke,  10 :  42. 

The  disposition  and  conduct  of  the  sisters,  Martha 
and  Mary,  may  suggest  to  our  minds  the  different  de- 
sires and  actings  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  of  which  every 
christian  is  composed.  The  flesh  is  '^  careful  and 
troubled  about  many  things :"  it  is  ever  restless  and 
uneasy,  always  in  want,  seldom  satisfied,  never  truly 
happy.  But  the  spirit  has  chosen  the  good  part,  the 
"one  thing  needful."  It  is  truly  wise  in  its  choice, 
quite  satisfied  in  its  object,  and  really  happy  in  its 
enjoyment. 

Thus  it  is,  while  the  christian  is  under  the  prevailing 
influence  of  this  one  thing  needful.  One  thing,  the  (en- 
joyment of  God,  was  our  first  parents'  paradise.  A  thirst 


FEBRUARY  4.  59 

after  an  enjoyment  of  two  things, — the  knowledge  of 
evil  as  well  as  good, — caused  all  their  wo,  and  made 
them  miserable.  And  it  is  this  knowledge  of  evil  which 
keeps  all  their  posterity  in  the  sad  circumstances  into 
which  they  are  fallen,  till  they  are  brought  to  know  the 
one  thing  needful.  What  is  this  but  the  saving  know- 
ledge of  God  our  Saviour  1  This  was  the  great  apostle's 
continual  prayer,  "  That  I  may  know  him."  Mary  was 
happy  in  the  enjoyment  of  this  ;  for  it  our  Lord  himself 
commends  her  \  calling  it  "  that  good  part  which  shall 
not  be  taken  away." 

This  one  thing  comprehends  all  wisdom,  holiness, 
and  happiness.  To  know  Jesus,  is  to  believe  in  him ; 
to  believe  in  him,  is  to  love  him  5  and  to  love  him,  is  to 
keep  his  commandments.  In  every  station,  in  all  sea- 
sons, and  under  every  circumstance,  this  one  thing,  this 
knowledge  of  Jesus,  is  ever  needful,  ever  seasonable. 
Does  the  christian  enjoy  health!  This  knowledge  joins 
to  health  of  body,  peace  and  joy  of  soul.  Is  he  in  sick- 
ness %  To  know  Jesus  is  the  richest  cordial,  the  most 
reviving  draught  to  his  soul.  Is  he  tempted  X  What 
consolation  to  know,  Jesus  was  tempted  in  all  things  as 
we  are,  that  he  might  succor  the  tempted'?  Doth  sin 
distress  1  doth  the  law  condemn'?  The  soul  that  knows 
Jesus  can  boldly  challenge,  "Who  shall  lay  anything  to 
the  charge  of  God's  elect '?"  He  can  confidently  declare, 
''  there  is  no  condemnation  to  them  who  are  in  Christ  Je- 
sus." Does  death,  the  king  of  terrors,  affright  him  '?  By 
the  knowledge  of  Jesus  he  is  disarmed  of  his  strength 
and  sting,  which  is  the  law  and  sin.  So  that,  0  soul, 
thou  may  St  take  up  this  triumphant  challenge  against 
the  last  enemy,  ''  0  death,  where  is  thy  sting'?  O  grave, 
where  is  thy  victory  V  I  have  all  things,  and  abound, 
in  possessing  this  one  thing:  I  have  Christ  my  Saviour 
found,  and  I  pray  daily  to  be  found  in  him.    Phil.  3  :  9 


60  FEBRUARY  5. 

Feb.   5. — That   repentance   and   remission   of  sins  should    he 
preached  in  his  name  among  all  nations.    Luke,  24  :  47. 

This  is  God's  method  of  saving  sinners  by  Jesus 
Christ.  Those  who  know  his  preciousness,  who  have 
any  regard  to  the  glory  of  God  and  love  for  immortal 
souls,  will  make  this  the  rule  of  their  preaching ;  for 
this  doctrine,  where  known  and  experienced  in  the  heart, 
makes  a  true  christian.  Evangelical  repentance  flows 
from  a  seeing  eye,  a  hearing  ear,  and  an  understanding 
heart,  and  is  an  evidence  and  effect  of  Gospel  faith.  To 
see  the  evil  nature  and  dreadful  effects  of  sin,  as  shown 
ill  the  sufferings  of  Jesus  j  to  hear  the  curses  and  con- 
demnation of  the  law  against  sinners,  its  dreadful  thun- 
ders and  menaces  in  the  conscience  j  to  understand  in 
the  heart  that  nothing  but  the  blood  of  Jesus  could 
atone  for  the  guilty,  none  but  he  could  fulfil  the  perfect 
demands  of  a  holy  law  for  the  unrighteous  :  this  humbles 
the  soul,  cuts  off  false  hopes,  lays  it  low  in  self-abase- 
ment before  Jehovah,  and  causes  it  to  cry  out,  "  I  am 
the  man,  the  sinner  I,  who  am  cursed  by  law,  exposed 
to  wrath,  and  deserve  hell.  I  mourn  without  hope  in 
myself.  I  hear  of  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  sinners ;  I  turn 
to  him  for  hope  and  salvation.  Sin  has  destroyed  me. 
Jesus,  save,  or  I  perish." 

This  repentance  Jesus  is  exalted  to  give.  This  makes 
a  proud  sinner  humble.  Remission  of  sins  makes  a  poor 
sinner  a  happy  saint.  Hath  Christ  obtained  remission 
of  sins  by  his  blood  1  Hath  he  commanded  that  this 
should  be  preached  in  his  name  %  Is  he  exalted  to  give 
itl  Has  he  brought  the  poor  sinner,  by  his  Spirit,  to  his 
feet  to  sue  for  it  %  And  will  he  refuse  to  make  that  soul 
happy  in  the  sense  of  it  \  Never,  never  let  sucli  a  thought 
be  indulged  by  any  poor  desponding  sinner.  We  read 
no  such  hard  lines  in  his  word.  We  find  no  such  deject- 
ing views  from  his  life   and  death.    The  doctrine  he 


FEBRUARY  6.  61 

prescribed  is  a  lively  transcript  of  all  that  was  in  his 
loving  heart. 

Be  assured,  O'  soul,  there  shall  be  a  performance  of 
all  things,  that  are  promised  of  the  Lord,  to  him  that 
believeth.  That  same  Jesus,  who  gives  the  soul  the 
humbling  view  of  itself,  and  by  repentance  to  turn  to 
him,  will  give  it  the  joyful  knowledge  of  himself,  by 
the  remission  of  sins  through  faith  in  his  blood.  Re- 
pentance and  remission  of  sins  are  joined  together  in 
preaching ;  they  can  never  be  separated  in  the  expe- 
rience of  the  heart.  So  sure  as  repentance  is  given  to 
any  soul  by  the  Spirit  of  Jesus,  that  SQul  is  forgiven  by 
God  the  Father,  through  the  blood  of  Jesus.  Eph.  1  :  7. 


Feb.  6. — Then  shall  we  hioic,  if  we  follow  on  to  know  the 
Lord:  his  going  forth  is  prepared  as  the  morning;  and 
he  shall  come  unto  us  as  the  rain,  as  the  latter  and  former 
rain  unto  the  earth.  Hosea,  6  :  3. 

Disciples  enjoy  sweet  fellowship  in  the  truth.  Hence 
they  mutually  help  and  encourage  each  other's  faith. 
Christ  blesses  them,  and  manifests  himself  to  them  in 
this  waj'-.  So  the  disciples,  after  his  crucifixion  and 
death,  resorted  together  and  communed  with  each 
other ;  and  Jesus,  though  unknown  to  them  at  first, 
joined  their  company,  expounded  the  Scriptures,  and 
opened  their  understandings j  "and  they  said  one  to 
another.  Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us  as  he  talked 
with  us  by  the  way  V  &c.  Luke,  24? :  32. 

Thus  disciples  in  the  Old  Testament  church  exhorted 
one  another  in  faith.  "We  shall  know,  we  shall  follow 
on  to  know  the  Lord."  So  the  words  may  be  rendered. 
Those  who  know  a  little  of  Jesus'  love,  and  are  but  just 
brought  acquainted  with  his  free  grace  and  salvation, 
shall  hold  on  their  way.     Knowledge,  light,  peace,  and 


62  FEBRUARY  7. 

love  shall  increase  to  their  souls,  through  that  vSpirit  by 
whom  they  are  regenerated  and  born  again.  Though  at 
first  they  are  but  "  babes  in  Christ,  yet,  through  the 
milk  of  the  word,  they  shall  grow  and  increase  with  the 
increase  of  God."  The  going  forth  of  Christ's  love  to- 
wards us  is  as  the  morning.  At  the  dawn  of  day  light 
is  scarcely  discernible,  it  seems  opposed  by  surround- 
ing darkness,  yet  gradually  increases,  till  the  sun  gains 
its  meridian.  So  "  the  path  of  the  just  shineth  more  and 
more  unto  the  perfect  day." 

The  sun  never  forsakes  the  earth,  though,  at  seasons, 
its  light  and  heat  seem  withdrawn  in  comfort  and  en- 
joyment. Thus  is  it  with  the  Sun  of  righteousness.  He 
shall  also  "come  unto  us  as  the  rain,"  to  refresh,  en- 
liven, and  make  our  souls  fruitful  in  knowledge,  peace, 
love,  and  holiness  ;  yea,  as  '^  the  latter  and  former  rain.'* 
In  the  land  of  Israel  they  had  usually  two  rains  in  a  year, 
one  just  after  the  seed  was  sown,  the  other  when  the  corn 
was  almost  ripe,  and  the  harvest  at  hand.  Sometimes, 
just  after  the  seed  of  eternal  life  is  sown  in  the  hearts 
of  young  converts,  they  are  favored  with  happy  refresh- 
ing seasons  of  love  and  joy.  Others  experience  the  most 
plentiful  showers  of  heart-reviving  love  just  as  the  sickle 
is  to  cut  them  down,  that  they  may  be  gathered  into  the 
heavenly  garner.  Our  Lord  best  knows  what  seasons  to 
give,  whether  the  storm  of  affliction,  the  rain  of  pros- 
perity, or  the  sunshine  of  joy.  Jesus  "  is  a  God  of  judg- 
ment: blessed  are  all  they  that  wait  for  him."  Isa.  30  :  18. 


Feb.  7. — Tlie.  sacrifices  of  God^  are  a  Iroken  spirit :  a  broken 
and  a  contrite  hearty  O  God,  thou  wilt  ?iot  despise.  Psalm 
51:17. 

It  is  the  wisdom  and  joy  of  disciples  to  see  somewhat 
of  Jesus  in  every  page  of  the  lively  oracles.  Then  the 
word  is  searched  with  pleasure,  studied  with  delight,  and 


FEBRUARY  7.  63 

made  exceedingly  profitable  to  the  soul.  To  this  end, 
the  sins  and  backslidings,  humiliations  and  repentings, 
joys  and  experiences  of  saints  of  old  are  recorded.  We 
see  their  deserts  to  be  the  lowest  hell ;  but  grace  reigns. 
Though  sin  abounded  in  them^  yet  grace  superabounded 
over  them.  But  all  is  through  Jesus  :  no  mercy  for  sin- 
ful men,  but  through  that  blessed  Mediator. 

So  he  glorifies  his  name,  and  makes  his  power  known 
to  be  "  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever,"  in 
saving  his  people  from  their  sins.  Though  sin  may  blind 
the  eyes  to  his  love,  and  harden  the  heart  against  his 
fear,  and  the  spirit  become  stout  and  rebellious  for  a 
season  ;  yet  see  his  amazing  love,  behold  the  effects  of 
his  almighty  grace  !  A  criminal,  yet  beloved  David  shall 
be  arraigned,  plead  guilty,  sue  for  mercy,  and  hope  for 
pardon. 

But,  did  a  broken  spirit  and  a  contrite  heart  entitle 
him  to  thisl  Did  he  plead  his  present  griefs  and  humi- 
liations to  atone  for  his  past  transgressions  1  No  :  alas, 
if  he  had  no  other  hope  than  this,  horror  and  black 
despair  would  have  been  the  portion  of  his  backsliding 
soul.  God  will  not,  doth  not,  cannot  bestow  pardon 
of  sin  till  he  makes  the  soul  sensible  of  and  sorry  for 
sin.  Nor  will  he  ever  despise,  abhor,  or  reject  broken- 
hearted, contrite  souls.  For  his  Spirit  effects  this  in 
them.  Though  no  plea  can  be  founded  on  this,  yet  the 
soul  is  sweetly  encouraged  hereby  to  hope ;  here  is  an 
evidence  that  the  Lord  hath  not  given  up  such  to  a  re- 
probate mind.  He  still  works  in  them.  They  feel  the 
.  effects.  A  sense  of  guilt  is  dreadful  to  be  borne,  and 
distressing  to  feel;  therefore  such  will  cry  for  deliver- 
ance, ''Restore  unto  me  the  joys  of  thy  salvation." 

Our  loving  Lord  breaks  the  heart  for  sin,  though  sin 
cannot  break  the  covenant  of  his  love,  and  shall  not 
reign  unto  death.  O  soul,  art  thou  mourning  for  thy 
sins  1  Remember  Him  on  whom  the  iniquity  of  us  all 


64  FEBRUARY  8. 

was  laid.  Look  to  him  ''  who  bore  our  sins  in  his  own 
body  on  the  tree,  by  whose  stripes  we  are  healed."  A 
contrite  spirit  flies  from  the  pleasures  of  sin,  which  are 
but  for  a  season  ;  he  cannot  rest  till  former  joys  are  re- 
stored ,'  he  is  also  solicitous  about  his  future  walk,  lest 
he  fall  again  j  therefore  cries,  "  Uphold  me  with  thy  free 
Spirit." 

"  I  cannot  live  without  thy  light, 
"Cast  out  and  banished  from  thy  sight: 
*'  Thine  holy  joys,  my  God,  restore, 
"And  guard  me  that  I  fall  no  more." 


Feb.  8. — The  wicked   is  driven  away   in   his  wickedness;    hut 
the  righteous  hath  fcCfe  in  his  death.  Proverbs,  14 :  32. 

"O  how  comfortable,  in  a  dying  hour,  to  look  back 
upon  a  well-spent  life,"  say  many.  But  it  is  most  com- 
fortable, to  '^  forget  the  things  that  are  behind,  to  look 
forward,  and  press  towards  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of 
our  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,"  saith  the  chris- 
tian. Phil.  3  :  14.  What  a  delightful  prospect,  in  a  dy 
ing  hour,  to  view  a  reconciled  God,  a  glorified  Jesus, 
and  a  kingdom  prepared  for  us  from  the  foundation  of 
the  world!  But,  if  we  have  not  experienced  a  life  of 
faith  in  Christ,  and  by  the  grace  of  God  had  our  conver- 
sation in  the  world,  a  life  of  self-righteousness  will  only 
beget  vain  confidence,  and  delude  the  soul  with  false 
hopes,  which  will  end  in  awful  disappointment  at  death. 
But  who  are  the  wicked  1  Verily,  all  who  reject  the 
faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  refuse  to  submit  to  his  righ- 
teousness, hope  in  themselves,  and  trust  to  what  they 
can  do  to  make  themselves  righteous,  and  to  nfiake  their 
peace  with  God.  This  is  the  very  essence  of  wicked- 
ness. All  such  are  destitute  of  righteousness.  Their 
eyes  are  blinded  by  sin,  and  their  hearts  hardened 
against  the  truth.     Living  and  dying  so,  they  shall  be 


FEBRUARY  8.  65 

driven  away  from  the  comforts  of  the  righteous  in  the 
awful  hour  of  death.  In  the  tremendous  day  of  judg- 
ment they  shall  be  driven  away  from  the  presence  of 
Jesus,  with,  "Depart,  ye  cursed." 

Who  are  the  righteous  1  All  who  receive  the  gift  of 
new-covenant  love,  the  gift  of  righteousness,  which 
cometh  upon  all  the  children  of  faith  by  one,  Jesns 
Christ.  Rom.  5  :  17.  The  righteous  man  is  born  again 
from  above  :  he  hath  the  mind  of  Christ,  he  loveth  righ- 
teousness and  hateth  iniquity.  The  righteous  hath  hope 
in  a  God  of  justice,  hope  in  a  God  of  truth,  hope  in  a 
God  of  faithfulness,  because  his  hope  standeth  in  God's 
own  covenant  grace  and  love,  which  makes  sinners  righ- 
teous in  Christ.  This  hope  shall  never  forsake  the  righ- 
teous ;  it  animates  him  in  life  to  love  and  obedience  ; 
it  comforts  him  in  death  against  fears  of  wrath  and 
terrors  of  hell ;  it  inspires  him  with  joyful  assurance 
of  a  crown  of  righteousness  in  life  and  immortality,  ac- 
cording to  the  precious  promises  of  God,  through  the 
righteousness  of  Jesus. 

Well  might  that  eminently  faithful  minister  of  Jesus, 
the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Hervey,  so  sweetly  fall  asleep  with 
this  hope  in  his  heart,  while  his  lips  were  warbling  his 
dying  song,  "  Precious  salvation  !  precious  salvation  ! 
O  precious  grace!  precious  promises!  precious  faith ! 
precious  hope  !  All  flowing  to  poor  sinners  through  the 
perfect  righteousness  and  precious  blood  of  the  infi- 
nitely and  eternally  precious  Jesus."  Well  might  Paul 
sum  up  all  our  blessedness  in  that  apostolic  benediction, 
which  includes  all  our  hope :  "  The  grace  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.  Amen."  2  Corin- 
thians, 13  :  14. 


66  FEBRUARY  9. 

Feb.  9. — The  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand ;    he  ye  therefore 
sober,  and  ivatch  unto  prayer.  1  Peter,  4  :  7. 

The  word  of  grace  and  truth,  like  a  judicious  physi- 
cian for  the  body,  prescribes  different  kinds  of  recipes 
for  the  soul.  Sometimes  the  bitter  draught  of  affliction, 
at  others  the  strengthening,  comforting  balsam  of  faith, 
with  the  restorative  mixture  of  love  ;  but  at  all  times  a 
necessary  regimen,  whereby  to  rule  and  govern  our  lives, 
so  that  our  souls  may  prosper  and  be  in  health. 

To  use  means,  in  faith,  is  our  bounden  duty.  To  neg- 
lect them  is  a  contempt  of  the  wise  Prescriber,  whereby 
we  suffer  loss  and  receive  hurt  to  our  souls.  As  faith 
binds  the  soul  to  Jesus  in  the  sweet  bands  of  love,  so  it 
produces  a  conformity  to  him  in  heart  and  life.  As  the 
Spirit  enriches  the  soul  with  precious  graces,  so  they 
are  accompanied  with  his  transforming  influence.  He 
ever  directs  to  the  word  he  inspired,  that  we  may  be 
taught  to  avoid  all  things  contrary  thereto,  and  also  to 
practise  those  duties  which  have  a  tendency  to  strength- 
en the  soul  in  persevering  in  truth  and  holiness. 

An  intemperate  thirst  after,  and  the  inordinate  indul- 
gence of  ourselves  in  the  enjoyment  of  any  of  the  good 
things  of  this  life,  sadly  indispose  the  mind  to  spirit- 
ual concerns.  This  is  contrary  to  the  life  of  faith,  in- 
terrupts sweet  communion  with  the  Father  of  spirits, 
deadens  the  heart  to  holy  fellowship  with  Jesus,  and 
opposes  the  comforting  consolation  of  the  blessed 
Spirit.  Hence  the  soul  finds  great  languor,  deadness, 
and  formality  in  its  addresses  at  the  throne  of  grace. 
Thy  soul  and  mine  are  therefore  called  upon  to  con- 
sider. Time,  how  short !  Eternity,  how  near  !  The  Judge 
is  at  the  door.  All  things  are  on  the  point  of  dissolution. 
We  are  to  be  expecting  the  certain  messenger,  to  call 
us  hence. 

Since  continuance  here  is  so  uncertain,  all  wordly  en- 
joyments are  so  precarious,  and  all  certainly  perish  in 


FEBRUARY  10.  67 

the  using ;  what  temperance,  what  sobriety  of  conduct 
becomes  us  !  And  this  is  certain,  Jesus,  with  his  much 
incense,  is  ever  before  the  throne.  It  is  a  mercy-seat, 
sprinkled  with  his  precious  blood.  From  hence  all 
grace  is  bestowed,  all  power  given.  O  may  we  be  con- 
cerned to  watch  continually  against  the  motions  of  the 
enemy,  the  stirrings  of  pride  and  lust,  watching  in 
prayer  for  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  watching  after  prayer 
for  an  answer  of  peace.  And  when  is  the  time  that  this 
exercise  may  be  omitted  ]  Verily,  not  till  faith  is  lost 
in  sight,  hope  turned  into  enjoyment,  and  prayer  lost  in 
praise.  O  what  a  precious  word  is  this  from  our  Jesus ! 
"  Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  that  I  will  do." 
John,  14  ;  13. 


Feb.  10. — Forasmuch  as  the  children  are  partakers  of  jlesh 
and  blood,  he  also  himself  took  part  of  the  same;  that 
through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  poiver 
of  death,  that  is,  the  devil.  Hebrews,  2 :  14. 

We  read  of  one  who  was  so  affected  with  the  glory 
of  the  sun,  that  he  thought  he  was  born  only  to  behold  it. 
With  what  propriety  may  a  christian  judge  of  himself, 
that  he  is  born  again  to  behold  the  glory  and  delight 
himself  in  the  daily  contemplation  of  Jesus,  the  Sun  of 
righteousness !  Lord,  thou  shalt  never  stoop  to  that 
mean  office  of  "  washing  my  feet,"  said  honest-hearted 
Peter.  But  what  was  that  stoop  of  abasement,  when 
Jesus  was  in  flesh,  compared  to  his  taking  flesh  upon 
himl  Be  astonished,  O  heavens!  rejoice,  0  children  of 
faith !  admire,  and  adore,  what  you  can  never  fully  com- 
prehend :  the  Lord  of  Life  and  Glory  in  your  nature, 
clothed  with  flesh  and  blood,  a  man  of  sorrows  and  ac- 
quainted with  grief.  See  Jesus — consider  Jesus;  O 
dwell  in  contemplation  on  the  humility  of  our  Divine 
Redeemer,  till  it  warms  your  heart  with  love.  Say 
which  is  greatest,  his  love  or  his  humility  % 


68  FEBRUARY  11. 

He  took  part  with  "  the  children."  Such  was  Jacob's 
delight  in  Benjamin,  that  "  his  life  was  bound  up  in  the 
lad's  life."  Gen.  44  :  30.  The  soul  of  Jonathan  was  so 
knit  to  David,  that  "  he  loved  him  as  his  own  soul." 
1  Sam.  18  :  1.  Verily,  our  life  is  bound  up  in  the  life 
of  Jesus.  Truly,  he  hath  loved  us  better  than  life.  He 
took  our  part  against  our  invincible  foes,  sin,  Satan,  and 
death.  He  hath  conquered  all — for  whom'l  ''  The  chil- 
dren ;"  by  nature  children  of  wrath,  by  practice  rebels 
against  God.  Yet,  amazing  grace  !  the  objects  of  his 
Father's  love  j  hence  given  to  Christ,  to  redeem  and 
save.  They  had  interest  in  his  love  ere  they  had  a  be- 
ing in  the  flesh.  Therefore  he  prays  for  them  as  their 
Mediator  j  he  owns  them,  by  that  special  mark  which 
the  Holy  Ghost  puts  upon  each  of  them,  in  the  day  of 
his  power — faith.  "  I  pray  for  them  also  which  shall  be- 
lieve on  me."  John,  17  :  20. 

We  may  joyfully  triumph,  "If  Jesus  be.  for  us,  who 
shall  be  against  us  V  Every  believer  may  be  sure  of 
victory.  Faith  in  Jesus  overcomes  the  world,  disarms 
death  of  its  sting,  which  is  sin ;  and  of  the  strength  of 
sin,  which  is  the  law.  By  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  Satan  is 
overcome.  Thus  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through 
Him  who  loved  us.  Christ  gained  the  conquest,  in  our 
nature,  over  Satan  and  death,  by  taking  away  that  which 
gave  power  to  both  over  his  children — sin.  This  he 
effected  by  his  own  death.  He  died  for  sin.  He  rose  to 
justify.  He  lives  to  save.  Thanks  eternal  for  his 
victory.   1  Cor.  15  :  57. 


Feb.  11. — In  a  little  wrath  I  hid  myself  from  thee  for  a 
moment^  hut  -with  everlasting  kindness  will  I  have  mercy  on 
thee^  saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer.  Isaiah,  54  :  8. 

Love   is  ever  open  and  communicative  :  it  conceals 
nothing  from  the  object  beloved  which  may  profit  or 


FEBRUARY  11.  69 

comfort.  '^  Shall  I  hide  from  Abraham  that  thing  which 
I  del"  saith  the  God  of  love,  concerning  his  friend 
Gen.  18  :  17.  The  Lamb  saith  of  his  followers,  ''  Ye  are 
my  friends."  Servants  are  not  made  acquainted  with 
their  masters'  secrets ;  but  friends  are.  Therefore  saith 
the  great  Interpreter  of  covenant  love,  "  All  things  that 
I  have  heard  of  my  Father  I  have  made  known  unto  you." 
John,  15  :  15.  He  does  not  suffer  his  children  to  be 
chastised,  but  they  shall  be  told  of  the  Father's  kind- 
ness, and  mercy  in  it.  Love  is  ever  in  his  heart,  though 
wrath  may  appear  in  his  conduct. 

The  joy  of  creation  is  revived  by  the  bright  shining 
of  the  sun.  When  that  is  withdrawn,  clouds,  mists,  and 
darkness  gather.  So  when  the  Sun  of  righteousness 
hides  himself  from  the  soul,  it  seems  a  dark  season  of 
wrath.  The  mists  of  corruption  rise,  the  thick  fog  of 
unbelief  spreads,  the  gloom  of  dejection  hangs  heavy 
on  the  mind,  and  the  prince  of  darkness  is  very  busy 
at  such  a  season  :  like  Job's  friends,  he  is  a  physician 
of  no  value,  but  a  miserable  comforter  to  the  soul.  Now 
all  sense,  nature,  and  feeling  write  bitter  things  against 
the  poor  sinner.  The  Father  chastises,  the  Saviour 
hides  himself,  the  law  accuses,  conscience  condemns, 
sin  terrifies,  Satan  threatens,  but — Father,  thy  mercy 
never  dies,  thy  love  changes  not.  Therefore  faith  en- 
dures, and  turns  to  love.  "  In  little  wrath  I  hid  myself." 
Little  in  comparison  of  thy  deserts,  0  soul !  little  com- 
pared with  the  greatness  of  the  love  of  thy  God.  Faith 
listens  to  the  testimony  of  Jesus.  The  Lord  thy  Re- 
deemer speaks :  '^  My  deserting  thee  is  of  the  shortest 
duration,  a  moment,  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  ;"  as  no 
space  of  time,  compared  to  eternity.  Then  love  vents 
itself  and  declares,  "  With  everlasting  kindness  will  I 
have  mercy  on  thee." 

The  word  of  the  Lord  shall  stand.  His  covenant  is 
sure,  his  love  unchangeable,  his  promises  immutable. 


70  FEBRUARY  12. 

Hence  the  soul  is  excited  to  confidence,  to  assurance, 
full  assurance  ;  yea,  the  fullest  assurance  of  a  God  of 
truth,  though  all  present  appearances  seem  against  it. 
Then  hope  dawns  in  the  soul,  and  love  to  Jesus  is 
quickened.  Holy  shame  and  godly  sorrow  for  past 
follies  fill  the  heart,  while  the  Comforter  inwardly  tes- 
tifies of  Jesus.  His  love,  how  infinite  !  his  person,  how 
precious!  his  promises,  how  reviving!  his  presence, 
how  joyful !  Such  is  Jesus'  love.  "  Weeping  may  en- 
dure for  a  night,  (of  desertion,)  but  joy  cometh  in  the 
morning,  (of  his  presence.)  Psalm  30  :  5. 


Feb.  12. — Therefore  with  joy  shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the 
ivells  of  salvation.   Isaiah,  12  :  3. 

Why  "therefore!"  what  had  the  church  done  to  pro- 
cure such  an  inestimable  promise  1  0,  the  joyful  day  of 
her  public  espousal  to  Jesus  is  come ;  that  day,  that 
blessed  day  of  power,  when  the  loving  bride  claims  her 
beloved  Bridegroom,  Jesus.  Therefore  she  sings  this 
joyful  song,  "Behold,  God  is  my  salvation  :  I  will  trust, 
and  not  be  afraid.  For  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  my  strength 
and  my  song ;  he  also  is  become  my  salvation."  The 
claims  of  the  faith  of  poor  sinners  are  well-pleasing  in 
the  sight  of  God.  They  honor  his  word,  glorify  him, 
and  cause  joy  in  heaven  among  the  angels,  while  the 
humble  claimants  obtain  the  consolation  thereof.  "  Them 
that  honor  me,  I  will  honor,"  saith  the  Lord.  "With 
joy  shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation." 

But,  this  was  not  to  be  a  transient  fit  of  comfort,  but 
an  inexhaustible  fountain  of  joy.  Believers  are  to  come 
daily  and  draw  water  with  joy  out  of  the  wells  of  sal- 
vation. Jehovah,  the  Father,  is  "the  fountain  of  living 
waters."  Jerem.  2  :  13.  Salvation  takes  its  first  spring 
from  his  everlasting  love,  is  secured  by  his  unalterable 
covenant  and  unchangeable  promises.    The  Spirit  and 


FEBRUARY  13.  71 

his  grace  are  called  "  a  well  of  water  springing  up  to 
everlasting  life."  John,  4  :  14.  He  shows  poor  sinners 
their  want  of  Jesus,  this  living  water,  its  freeness  and 
sweetness  J  supplies  them  with  the  bucket  of  faith,  to 
draw  with  joy,  and  drink  with  pleasure.  This  well  of 
salvation  by  Jesus  was  opened  in  paradise  ;  its  streams 
have  run  through  every  successive  age  of  the  church. 
Patriarchs,  prophets,  apostles,  believers  in  all  ages,  have 
had  their  hearts  made  glad  and  their  souls  joyful  hereby. 
The  everlasting  love  of  the  Father,  the  rich  grace  of 
the  Son,  and  the  exuberant  joy  of  the  Holy  Ghost  com- 
pose these  wells  of  salvation.  Yet  it  is  but  one  foun- 
tain of  grace  flowing  from  the  unity  of  the  Divine  es- 
sence, and  is  communicated  to  us  out  of  the  fulness  of 
the  man  Jesus.  Hence  we  are  invited  by  him,  ''  O  friends, 
O  beloved,  drink  !  yea,  drink  abundantly."  Song  of  Solo- 
mon, 5  :  1.  This  fountain  is  ever  free,  full,  and  inexhaus- 
tible. Why,  O  why,  then,  are  we  not  always  joyful  1  why 
do  we  ever  complain  for  want  of  comfort  1  This  well  is 
ever  open,  this  fountain  ever  near.  "Why  do  we  so 
much  neglect,  so  often  forsake  this  Fountain  of  living 
waters  1  Where  is  our  faith  1  Why  is  that  precious  grace 
given  us,  but  for  use  and  exercise  1  So  shall  we  the  more 
glorify  the  God  of  all  consolation,  be  refreshed  in  our 
spirits  and  made  fruitful  in  our  lives,  and  our  thirst 
after  the  perishing  comforts  of  time  and  sense  shall  be 
allayed.  For,  saith  Jesus,  "  Whosoever  drinketh  of  the 
water  that  I  shall  give  him,  shall  never  thirst."  John,  4 :  14 


Feb.  13. — Commit  thy  icay  unto  the  Lord  ;  trust  also  in  him; 
and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass.  Psalm  37  :  5. 

We  are  too  apt  to  forget  where  we  are,  what  we  are 
called  to,  and  whither  we  are  going.  When  we  take  a 
survey  of  the  present  state  of  things,  judge  according 
to  appearances,  and  see  one  event  happen  alike  to  all, 


72  FEBRUARY  13. 

we  are  ready  to  ask,  what  advantage  then  hath  the  chris- 
tian 1  or  what  profit  is  there  to  new-born  believing 
souls  1  Much  every  way.  For  unto  them,  chiefly,  are 
committed  the  lively  oracles  of  God.  The  Bibl^  is  an 
epistle  of  love.  The  tender  affections  of  our  loving 
Father,  the  living  and  dying  compassions  of  our  gracious 
Redeemer  breathe  in  every  page.  Here  we  see  the  va- 
rious conflicts  and  trials  our  brethren  in  the  flesh  were 
exercised  with ;  how  they  were  supported  under  and 
carried  through  all,  safe  to  glory ;  and  this  by  the  very 
same  grace  and  power  which  are  still  our  happy  portion. 
They,  being  dead,  yet  speak  to  us,  animating  and  en- 
couraging our  hearts  to  be  strong  in  the  Lord  and  in 
the  power  of  his  might.  We  see  in  them  the  inexpli- 
cable mysteries  of  providence  unveiled;  and  how,  out 
of  the  weakness  of  nature,  they  were  made  strong  in 
grace. 

It  is  the  glory  of  believers  to  take  their  v^ews  and 
form  their  judgment  from  God's  truth  :  to  oppose  nature, 
sense,  and  feeling ;  to  wait  for  the  salvation  of  God ; 
to  omit  no  appointed  means,  but  to  be  diligent  in  the 
ways  of  God,  patiently  submitting  every  issue  to  his 
wisdom  and  goodness.  This  is  the  obedience  of  faith, 
it  is  attended  with  the  patience  of  hope,  and  the  issue 
is  always  determined  in  love.  It  is  impossible  it  should 
be  otherwise.  For  it  is  the  immutable  decree  of  heaven  : 
"All  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  who  love 
God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  pur- 
pose." Rom.  8  :  28. 

Committing  our  way  to  God  unburdens  the  mind  ; 
trusting  our  all  to  him  makes  the  heart  easy ;  relying 
on  him  to  bring  our  concerns  to  pass,  makes  the  spirit 
joyful.  But  when  carnal  reason  is  sufl^ered'to  make  its 
report,  then,  with  Jacob,  we  cry,  "All  these  things  are 
against  us."  Hence  fainting  and  drooping  come  from 
fear,  fear  from  doubting,  doubting  from  unbelief,  and  un- 


FEBRUARY  U.  73' 

belief  chiefly .  prevails  through  ignorance  and  inatten- 
tion to  God's  word  of  grace,  covenant  love,  precious 
promises,  and  solemn  oath  in  Christ.  Committing  and 
trusting  is  thy  work — to  bring  to  pass  is  the  Lord's. 
Beware  of  committing  thy  ways  into  his  hand  by  pray- 
er, and  again  taking  them  into  thine  own  by  diffidence. 
''I  will  trust,  and  not  be  afraid."  Isa.  12  :  2. 


pEB.   14.  —Remember  the  word  unto  thy  servant^  upon  which 
thou  hast  caused  me  to  hope.  Psalm  119  :  49. 

It  is  not  natural  to  us  to  hope  in  God's  word :  this 
the  power  of  God  causeth  us  to  do.  Where  there  is  true 
knowledge  of  Jesus,  the  essential  Word,  there  will  be 
a  real  esteem  for  the  Scriptures,  the  written  word  of  Je- 
hovah. The  same  Spirit  that  dwelt  in  Jesus,  dictated 
the  truths  concerning  himj  and  the  same  Spirit  testifies 
of  Jesus  in  the  hearts  of  his  children.  By  the  word  we 
are  favored  with  clear  ideas,  just  conceptions,  and  en- 
couraging views  of  the  truths  of  grace  and  salvation. 
Hence  we  have  the  firmest  foundation,  the  strongest  con- 
fidence, and  fullest  assurance  to  build  our  faith  and  hope 
upon.  Hence,  also,  we  are  emboldened  to  draw  nigh 
to  a  throne  of  grace,  to  plead  our  cause,  present  our  dis- 
tress, and  claim  with  humble  boldness  a  supply  of  all 
our  need. 

When  there  is  a  death  upon  all  comfortable  and  joyful 
feelings,  when  all  things  around  us  wear  a  gloomy  as- 
pect, when  conscience  within  writes  bitter  things  against 
us,  the  law  works  wrath,  and  its  terrors  make  us  afraid ; 
and  an  insulting  foe,  to  heighten  distress  and.  increase 
our  sorrows,  stands  over  us  with  "  There,  there,  so  would 
I  have  it!"  in  such  a  season,  0  it  is  life  from  the  dead 
to  remember  the  infinitely  transcendent  love,  victorious 
toils,  and  triumphant  conquests  of  Jesus  over  all  things 
for  us!  How  joyful  to  read  that  all  the  promises  centre 

S.  Treasury,  4 


74.  FEBRUARY  15. 

in  him,  and  that  they  are  infallibly  sure  to  all  the  seed, 
yea  and  amen,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father !  How 
establishing  to  hear  such  gracious  words  from  the  mouth 
of  Jehovah,  "  I,  even  I,  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy  trans- 
giression  for  mine  own  sake,  and  will  not  remember  thy 
sins  !"  Isa.  43  :  25.  How  powerfully  alluring,  how  sweetly 
attracting  to  the  affections,  when  love  calls,  ''  Put  me  in 
remembrance,"  plead  with  me ;  thou  shalt  not  call  in 
vain,  I  will  hear,  I  will  answer  thee !  Thus  love,  thus 
grace  descends  to  the  heart,  thus  it  speaks  by  the  word. 
Hence  desires  are  kindled  in  the  soul,  blown  into  a  flame, 
and  ascend  in  fervent,  earnest  prayer  and  pleading  to  a 
faithful,  promise-fulfilling  God.  Surely  we  can  never 
enough  prize  God's  word,  never  sufficiently  adore  the 
Holy  Spirit,  for  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  by  the  word. 
And  if  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  our  hope,  we  have  eter- 
nal truth,  everlasting  love,  infinite  power,  and  unchange- 
able faithfulness  engaged  for  us.  What  a  special  privi- 
lege is  this,  to  have  God's  own  word  for  our  hope  in  him 
and  plea  before  him  !  "Every  word  of  God  is  pure  j  he 
is  a  shield  unto  them  who  put  their  trust  in  him,"  Prov. 
30  :  5. 


Feb.  15. — He  gave  them  their  request ;  hut  sent  leanness  into 
their  soul.  Psalm  106  :  15. 

When  the  sunshine  of  worldly  ease,  and  a  greater 
portion  of  the  good  things  of  this  life  than  he  was  wont 
to  enjoy,  fell  to  the  lot  of  that  champion  of  Jesus,  of 
blessed  memory,  Luther,  it  excited  a  holy  fear  and  jea- 
lousy in  his  heart,  which  made  him  cry  out,  "Lord,  I 
will  not  be  put  off  with  these  things  !"  However  pleasant 
and  agreeable  worldly  prosperity  may  be  to  the  flesh, 
yet  indulging  and  pampering  the  body  is  destructive  to 
the  health  of  the  soul.  The  body,  without  exercise, 
loses  its  strength  and  vigor.  Afflictions  are  the  exercise 


^  FEBRUARY  15.  75 

of  the  soul ;  though  dreaded,  because  grievous  to  the 
flesh,  they  are  yet  profitable  to  the  spirit ;  or  else  not 
one  of  God's  dear  children  should  know  what  a  single 
trouble  is ;  for  they  are  all  the  allotments  of  covenant 
love.  In  our  prayers  we  too  often  imitate  James  and 
John,  "  we  know  not  what  we  ask."  We  ask  amiss,  and 
yet  are  ready  to  complain  that  the  Lord  doth  not  answer 
us  according  to  our  desire  ;  though  the  very  thing  we 
asked  would  have  proved  as  a  serpent  to  bite  and 
destroy  us. 

O  what  patience  doth  our  God  and  Father  exercise 
towards  the  froward  dispositions  of  his  dear  but  unto- 
ward children !  It  would  be  bad  for  the  best  of  us,  if  we 
were  our  own  providers.  Let  Peter  have  his  request, 
and  Jesus  had  not  died  :  then  Peter  and  every  soul  of 
man  must  have  perished.  It  is  our  mercy,  that  the  Lord 
sometimes  answers,  prayer  with  denials  ;  he  most  blesses 
us  by  denying  our  petitions.  Saints  long  and  pray  to 
be  entirely  delivered  from  the  body  of  sin  j  but  though 
the  Lord  doth  not  take  it  away,  yet  he  gives  what  is 
better,  grace  to  subdue  our  corruptions,  and  withal  sub- 
dues pride,  and  keeps  the  soul  dependent  upon  himself, 
which  is  best  of  all.  Thy  will,  thy  glory  should  evfer 
set  bounds  to  our  petitions.  The  health  and  prosperity 
of  the  immortal  soul  is  infinitely  to  be  preferred  to  the 
happiness  of  the  perishing  body.  Gay  clothing,  with 
empty  pockets,  and  a  lean,  starving  body,  is  a  distressed 
condition.  But  how  much  more  deplorable,  how  awfully 
to  be  dreaded  the  state  of  many  professors!  They  have 
got  what  they  eagerly  sought,  the  riches,  honors,  and 
pleasures  of  this  world.  But  alas!  their  precious  souls 
are  lean  and  starving.  Can  the  comforts  of  a  perishing 
world  compensate  for  the  want  of  a  sense  of  God's  love, 
the  reviving  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  and  the  comfort- 
ing fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost  1  In  all  our  petitions 
we  should  make  the  enjoyment  of  God   our  chief  aim. 


76  FEBRUARY  16. 

For  he  says,  "  Hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and  eat  ye 
that  which  is  good,  and  let  your  soul  delight  itself  in 
fatness."  Isa.  55  :  2. 


Feb,  16. — Thm- opened  he  their  understandings  that  they  might 
understand  the  Scriptures.  Luke,  24  :  45. 

Though  Jesus  had  captivated  the  heart,  and  drawn  the 
affections  of  his  disciples  to  himself  before  his  sufferings 
and  death,  yet  they  had  very  little  knowledge  in  the 
mysteries  of  his  kingdom,  or  of  "  the  mystery  of  iniquity  " 
which  worked  in  them.  They  were  but  weak  in  under- 
standing the  Holy  Scriptures.  Hence  arose  their  diffi- 
dence and  suspicions  concerning  him.  He  left  them 
scattered  through  fear  and  unbelief,  and  he  finds  them 
full  of  unreasonable  doubts  and  troubles.  For  this  he 
reproves  them,  "  O  fools,  and  slow  of  heart  to  believe 
all  that  the  prophets  have  spoken." 

But  amidst  all  their  weakness  and  ignorance  there 
was  a  sweet  and  secret  confidence  in  their  hearts.  Jesus 
had  apprehended  them  as  prisoners  of  love,  and  they 
were  kept  by  an  invisible  power,  that  they  might  appre- 
hend that  for  which  also  they  were  apprehended  of 
Christ.  Though  he  made  the  hearts  of  two  of  his  dis- 
ciples "  burn  within  them,"  yet  there  was  more  warmth 
than  light,  a  transient  heat  of  affections,  but  not  a  settled 
understanding  of  the  Scriptures.  Thus  it  is  with  many 
of  the  lambs  of  the  flock  now.  They  have  been  taught 
to  call  "  Jesus  Lord,  by  the  Holy  Ghost."  They  feel  some 
flashes  of  comfort,  but  they  are  oftener  exercised  with 
doubts,  fears,  jealousies,  and  surmises.  But  as  the  Sa- 
viour hath  loved  and  called  them  to  himself,  he  will  es- 
tablish their  hearts  in  faith.  He  not  only  warms  the  af- 
fections, but  opens  the  understanding.  Many  mistake 
here — not  the  fire  of  our  passions  is  to  govern  us,  but 
our  clear  understanding  of  the  Scriptures.  By  them  our 


FEBRUARY  17.  77 

faith  is  strengthened,  our  judgment  established,  our  love 
increased,  our  hearts  comforted,  our  holiness  promoted. 
Thus  Jesus  honored  the  Scriptures.  So  he  gave  his 
iirst-resurrection-blessing  to  his  weak  disciples. 

"  Christ  died  for  our  sins-,  and  rose  again,  according  to 
the  Scriptures."  1  Cor.  15  :  3,  4.  His  whole  work  on 
earth  was  to  fulfil  the  Scriptures.  So  he  honored  them, 
and  herein  he  has  left  disciples  an  example.  Prize  the 
word  of  truth,  study  it  constantly,  pray  over  it  daily.  By 
it  the  Spirit  teacheth  knowledge.  The  Scriptures  are 
the  sword  of  the  Spirit :  Satan  will  fly  before  them,  be- 
cause they  testify  of  Jesus.  Here  then  is  an  evidence 
of  a  true  disciple.  Jesus  hath  opened  his  understand- 
ing to  understand  the  Scriptures.  Has  the  Lord  thus 
blessed  thee  1  Then  thou  seest  Jesus  to  be  the  sum  and 
substance  of  the  Scriptures,  therefore  thou  wilt  esteem 
them  as  thy  companion,  guide,  and  familiar  friend.  ''For 
whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime,  were  written 
for  our  learning  j  that  we,  through  patience  and  comfort 
of  the  Scriptures,  might  have  hope."  Rom.  15  ;  4. 


Feb.  17, — But   grow  in   grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.      To   him    he   glory   both 
now  and  for  ever.  Amen.  2  Peter,  3  :  18. 
Christian,  know  thy  danger.     Thou  art  ever  liable  to 
be  led  away  by  the  error  of  the  wicked  one,  to  decline 
from  the  truth,  and  to  fall  away  from  thy  steadfastness  in 
the  faith  of  Jesus.  Exhortations  warn  of  this  :  they  tend 
to  quicken  stronger  exercises  of  faith  and  love,  as  a  re- 
medy against  this :  yea,  through  the  influences  of  the 
Spirit  they  cause  new-born  souls  to  increase  with  the 
increase  of  God:  just  as  reviving  showers  of  rain  and 
warm  influences  of  the  sun  cause  the  fruits  of  the  earth 
to  grow.     It  behoves  us  to  consider  this:  to  wrestle 
with  the  God  of  all  grace,  lest  we  grow  faint  in  our 


78  FEBRUARY  17. 

mind,  our  hands  hang  down,  and  our  knees  become  feeble 
— that  we  may  become  '^  strong  in  the  grace  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus."  Behold  the  inseparable  connection  be- 
tween grace  and  Jesus,  knowledge  and  growth.  There 
is  no  growth  in  grace  but  by  the  knowledge  of  Jesus. 
The  more  thou  growest  up  in  thy  Head,  Christ,  the  more 
thou  wilt  grow  out  of  hope  in  thyself,  out  of  conceit  with 
thyself  and  with  the  self-righteous  wicked. 

To  know  and  experience  the  grace  of  God  in  Christ 
is  the  special  mercy  of  poor  sinners.  To  grow  in  the 
faith  of  the  truths  of  his  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of 
Christ's  love,  is  our  richest  consolation,  our  highest  joy. 
Hast  thou  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious  1  In  this  con- 
sists thy  present  blessedness,  peace,  and  joy.  But  alas! 
what  is  thy  knowledge  and  experience  1  but  like  a  drop 
of  water  to  the  vast  ocean.  Art  thou  hungering  after 
more  grace,  thirsting  after  greater  knowledge  of  Jesus'? 
Verily  thou  shalt  be  filled,  "  filled  with  all  the  fulness 
of  God." 

It  is  the  nature  of  grace,  the  property  of  this  know- 
ledge, to  create  an  insatiable  thirst  in  the  soul  after 
deeper  experiences  of  it.  Hence  means  of  grace  will  be 
diligently  used,  the  Scriptures  constantly  searched,  the 
Gospel  highly  prized,  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word  de- 
sired, and  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  implored.  Why 
all  this '?  That  the  soul  may  grow  in  the  faith  and  love 
of  Jesus;  that  the  bud  of  grace  may  blossom  and  bear 
ripe  fruit  to  his  glory.  The  smallest  knowledge  of  Jesus 
shall  increase,  till  the  believing  babe  in  Christ  comes  "in 
the  unity  of  the  faith  and  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Son 
of  God  to  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of 
Christ."  Pray  mind  the  doxology  in  the  text.  Glory  is 
due  to  God  only.  But  it  is  here  ascribed  to  our  Saviour. 
Therefore  we  safely  and  comfortably  conclude.  He  is 
•*  over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever.  Amen."  Rom.  9  :  5. 


FEBRUARY  18.  79 

Feb.  18p — God  is  faithful,  hy  whom  ye  were  called  unto  the 
felloivship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.    1  Cor.  1  :  9. 

While  we  entertain  thoughts  of  God  out  of  Christ,  it 
affords  no  comfort  to  hear  of  God's  faithfulness.  Nay, 
if  we  were  not  blind  to  our  state  as  sinners,  the  thought 
would  fill  us  with  dread  and  horror.  For  how  awful, 
how  terrifying  is  this  declaration  from  a  faithful  God, 
"  I  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty."  Exodus,  34  :  7. 
But  we  know  '^  that  the  Lord  our  God,  he  is  God,  the 
faithful  God,  who  keepeth  covenant  and  mercy  with 
them  that  love  him  and  keep  his  commandments  to  a 
thousand  generations."  Deut.  7:9.  O  this  is  the  life 
of  poor  sinful  souls !  this  is  the  joy  of  their  hearts.  For 
whenever  one  reads  of  the  covenant,  it  reminds  of  Jesus 
the  Surety,  the  Mediator ;  of  God  in  Christ,  the  God  of 
love,  our  reconciled  God  and  Father.  We  have  no  im- 
mediate access  to  the  Father,  but  by  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ.  When  called  into  fellowship,  intercourse,  fami- 
liarity, and  sweet  converse  with  Jesus  by  faith,  then  we 
have  free  access  to  the  Father's  throne  of  grace  and  his 
heart  of  love.  We  glory  in  his  great  and  precious  pro- 
mises, and  triumph  in  his  declarations  of  faithfulness 
and  truth. 

The  faithfulness  of  God  is  the  foundation  of  all  pre- 
sent grace,  the  security  of  future  glory. 

Many  weak  disciples  are  perplexed  with  dark  and 
disturbing  thoughts  in  this  matter.  Their  hearts  are  not 
carried  up  to  rest  in  the  love  of  the  Father,  where  all  is 
serene  and  quiet ;  but  they  keep  below,  in  the  region  of 
doubts  and  fears,  storms  and  clouds.  Their  souls  may 
be  exercised,  and  often  distressed ;  but  they  are  safe, 
because  called  to  the  knowledge  of,  faith  in,  and  fellow- 
ship with  Christ,  their  Redeemer.  This  is  by  the  love 
of  the  Father,  through  the  power  of  the  Spirit.  And 
God  is  faithful  to  his  covenant,  to  his  Son,  to  his  people, 


80  FEBRUARY  19. 

to  his  own  word  to  them,  and  his  work  in  them.  ''For 
whom  he  calls,  them  he  glorifies."  Faithful  to  support 
them  under  all  present  dejections  of  mind  and  sinking 
of  spirits.  Faithful  to  preserve  them  in  all  times  of  dan- 
ger, and  to  give  them  living  comforts  in  a  dying  hour. 
Now,  O  believer,  thou  art  called  to  honor  the  faith- 
fulness of  thy  God,  by  trusting  in  his  word  of  truth, 
glorying  in  his  promises  of  grace  at  all  times.  Yea,  in 
thy  darkest  hours,  when  appearances  are  all  against 
thee,  then  the  Lord  is  for  thee,  "  The  Lord  is  faithful, 
who  shall  stablish  you,  and  keep  you  from  all  evil." 
2  Thess.  3  :  3.  He  is  faithful  to  confirm  you  unto  the 
end,  that  you  may  be  blameless  in  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus."   1  Cor.  1  :  8. 


Feb.  19. — If  any  man  sin,  ive  have  aji  Advocate  with  the  Fa- 
ther, Jesus  Christ  the  righteous.    1  John,  2  :  1. 

In  the  glass  of  God's  righteous  law  we  'see  what  an 
unholy  and  unrighteous  thing  sin  is ;  it  is  hateful  in  the 
eyes  of  a  pure  God ;  has  separated  between  God  and  the 
sinner,  and  tends  to  his  eternal  destruction.  The  Gos- 
pel in  no  wise  renders  sin  less  odious  to  God,  less  hein- 
ous in  his  sight  j  far  from  it.  Yea,  rather,  it  paints  sin 
in  the  blackest  colors,  and  shows  its  deepest  malig- 
nity by  the  gracious  method  of  its  atonement.  View 
the  holy  Lamb  suffering  for  sin  on  the  cross ;  see  the 
streaming  blood,  and  hear  his  bitter  groans  on  ac- 
count of  sin ;  and  say,  O  believer,  is  sin  a  little  matter, 
a  trifling  thing  1 

Learn  daily  sin's  evil,  by  its  remedy ;  sin's  poison,  by 
its  antidote  ;  the  hell  it  deserved,  by  the  Person  who  re- 
deemed. And  ever,  O  my  soul,  ever  hold  fast  this  as  a 
sacred  truth,  though  God  loves  thy  person  in  Christ,  yet 
he  hates  thy  sins  ;  though  reconciled  to  thy  soul  through 
Him,  yet  he  never  can  be  reconciled  to  sin  j  though  at 


FEBRUARY  20.  81 

peace  with  thee,  through  the  blood  of  the  cross,  yet 
ever  at  enmity  against  thy  sins.  Hence  the  beloved  dis- 
ciple declares,  "  These  things  write  I  unto  you,  little 
children,  that  ye  sin  not."  Beware  of  sin  as  the  worst 
evil,  your  most  deadly  foe  ;  strive  against,  oppose,  resist 
it,  in  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  as  your  greatest  enemy, 
and  most  hateful  to  your  best  Friend. 

But  if  any  man  sin,  (for  none  are  perfectly  free  from 
sin  in  their  nature,  nor  exempt  from  it  in  their  practice,) 
what  then  1  must  he  lie  down  and  despair  1  No  :  "  We 
have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father  :"  Jesus  Christ  pleads 
the  cause  of  sinners,  though  he  is  not  an  advocate  for 
sin  J  for  he  is  "  the  righteous."  Therefore,  he  doth  not 
deny  the  charge  that  we  are  sinners,  he  extenuates  none 
of  our  sins,  but  owns  every  accusation  brought  against 
us  by  a  perfect  law  and  strict  justice,  with  every  ag- 
gravating circumstance  which  can  be  urged.  But  against 
all  charged  upon  us,  he  pleads  his  own  righteous  work. 
Have  his  people  sinned  1  his  blood  has  atoned.  Have 
they  deserved  the  curse  of  the  law]  he  has  borne  it  for 
them.  Have  they  deserved  hell  ]  he  has  opened  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.  Are  they  unrighteous  l  he  has  fulfilled 
the  law  for  them,  and  clothes  them  with  his  perfect 
righteousness.  Therefore  he  pleads,  that  sin  may  not 
be  imputed  to  them ;  but  that  pardon  of  sin  and  peace 
of  conscience  may  be  bestowed  on  them  by  the  word 
and  Spirit ;  and  that  they  may  be  sanctified  in  him,  and 
glorified  with  him.  Thus  saith  our  dear  Lord,  "  I  will 
not  leave  you  comfortless."  John,  14  :  18. 


Feb.  20. — Without  controversy,  great  is  the  mystery  of  godli- 
ness :  God  was  manifest  in  the  flesh.    1  Tim.  3:16. 

The  truths  of  the  Gospel  are,  undoubtedly,  great  mys- 
teries to  carnal  reason.  AVe  have,  naturally,  no  idea  of 
their  existence  \  but  being  plainly  revealed  by  the  Spirit 


82  FEBRUARY  20. 

of  truth,  they  cease  to  be  hid  from  our  knowledge. 
They  are  no  longer  secret  mysteries  as  to  their  matter, 
but  plain  and  open  truths  to  faith. 

True,  the  manner  of  their  existence  is  incomprehensi- 
ble to  reason,  and  will  ever  remain  a  mystery  to  us. 
Therefore  the  sons  of  natural  pride  and  human  igno- 
rance reject  and  disbelieve  them.  But  the  children  of 
wisdom  and  humility  esteem  the  whole  mystery  of  god- 
liness, every  Bible  truth,  as  precious  objects  of  their 
faith.  Blessed  be  God,  our  comfort  and  salvation  con- 
sist in  believing,  not  in  explaining. 

What  the  Lord  hath  taught  in  his  word,  we  receive  as 
the  food  of  our  souls.  This  is  our  simple  answer  to  the 
god  of  this  world,  and  to  the  wise  disputer  of  this  age. 
We  cannot  comprehend  how  God  dwelt  in  flesh,  but  we 
are  fully  assured  he  did.  We  have  the  fullest  proof  of 
it  in  his  word  ;  and  his  word  is  truth.  And  it  is  the  very 
life  of  our  souls,  and  the  joy  of  our  hearts,  to  believe 
our  God.  Why  God  dwelt  in  flesh,  and  the  glorious  ends 
he  hath  accomplished  hereby,  we  know.  Of  this  also 
we  are  perfectly  assured.  We  believe  it  from  the  same 
infallible  testimony.  To  the  faith  of  this  we  have  the 
inward  witness  of  the  Spirit  also.  God  known  in  the 
flesh,  beheld  in  human  form,  viewed  in  our  nature,  is  the 
very  essence  of  our  faith;  we  now  partake  its  blessings, 
and  experience  its  comforts.  Hence  springs  the  assured 
pardon  of  all  our  sins,  the  acceptance  of  our  persons, 
the  sanctification  of  our  souls,  and  sure  and  certain  hope 
of  eternal  life  and  glory.  All  this  is  by  free  promise, 
according  to  the  everlasting  covenant  of  grace,  to  the 
glory  of  the  ever-blessed  Trinity,  and  to  the  comfort 
and  salvation  of  us  lost  sinners.  Thus  saint^  are  called 
into  one  body,  by  one  Spirit :  have  ''  one  hope,  one  Lord, 
one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  atonement,  one  righteous- 
ness, one  God  and  Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all,  and 
through  all,  and  in  them  all."    Eph.  4  :  4-6. 


FEBRUARY  21.  83 

Feb.  21. — Behold.,  I  see  the  heavens  opened.,  and  the  Son  of  man 
standing  on  the  right  hand  of  God.    Acts,  7  :  56. 

"  Sufficient  to  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof."  As  the 
trial  and  exercise  of  our  day  is,  so  shall  our  strength  be. 
Saints  shall  have  suffering  grace  for  suffering  tinnes. 
Hours  of  great  outvi^ard  calamities  often  prove  seasons 
of  the  greatest  abounding  of  inward  consolation.  It  is 
said,  Stephen  "  fell  asleep."  What !  under  a  shower  of 
stones  \  Yes :  the  sweetest  sleep  he  ever  experienced. 
It  was  preceded  by  a  supernatural  sight  of  glory.  He 
awoke  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  it.  He  suffered  first  for 
Jesus  J  he  is  the  first  who  is  favored  with  a  view  of  the 
glorified  JesUs  in  his  kingdom. 

How  faithful  is  the  Lord  we  serve  !  how  great  are  his 
compassions  !  how  reviving  to  the  soul  is  the  spiritual 
sight  of  him !  Patriarchs,  prophets,  apostles,  martyrs, 
and  believers  in  all  ages — the  same  Lord  was  the  object 
of  their  faith  j  they  were  comforted  by  the  same  Spirit, 
whose  blessed  office  is  to  glorify  Jesus  in  the  view  of 
believing  souls.  True,  "  No  man  shall  see  me  and  live, 
saith  the  Lord."  Exod.  33  :  20.  Even  highly  favored 
Stephen  saw  not  the  essential  glory  of  Jehovah,  but 
through  the  medium  of  the  man  Jesus.  Whether  with 
his  bodily  sight,  or  "in  the  full  vision  of  faith"  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  he  ''saw  the  glory  of  God"  in  the 
person  of  the  glorified  Son  of  man — this  fired  his  soul 
with  heavenly  joy,  and  inflamed  his  heart  with  holy 
transport. 

Faith's  views  of  Jesus  have  a  transforming  influence 
upon  the  soul.  While  he  is  beheld,  love  is  communica- 
ted. Ascending  hearts  to  Jesus  are  favored  with  de- 
scending love  from  Jesus.  Love,  received  in  the  heart 
cheerfully,  diffuses  its  sweet  savor  around  us.  It  en- 
larges the  feelings  of  compassion,  and  opens  the  mouth 
in  prayer,  even  for  its  worst  enemies.  Thus  Stephen 
prays  for  his  very  murderers.    When  for  himself,  he 


8^  FEBRUARY  22. 

stands :  when  for  them,  he  kneeled  down.    As  though 
more  importunate  for  them  than  for  himself. 

How  precious  is  the  sight  of  Jesus  to  those  who  be- 
lieve !  how  should  our  hearts  long  for  clearer  views  of 
him  !  As  in  his  love,  so  in  his  person,  he  is  wonderful.  He 
appears  in  his  human  form  before  the  throne.  The  same 
Man,  who  loved  our  persons  and  bore  our  sins,  still  lives 
and  pleads  our  cause,  as  our  triumphant  Conqueror,  in 
our  nature,  over  all  our  enemies.  Thus  daily  conceive 
of,  look  to,  and  embrace  in  the  arms  of  faith,  thy  Lord 
and  thy  God.  So  mayest  thou  ever  comfortably  say, 
"  Into  thine  hand  I  commit  my  spirit :  thou  hast  redeem- 
ed me,  O  Lord  God  of  truth."    Psalm  31:5. 


Feb.  22. — Jesus  said,  This  sickness  is  not  unto  death,  hut  for 
the  glory  of  God,  that  the  Son  of  God  might  be  glorified 
thereby.    John,  11  :  4. 

It  frequently  happens,  that  intervening  occurrences 
seem  to  contradict  the  truths  of  God.  Therefore,  if  we 
judge  from  sight  and  appearance,  we  shall  be  often  de- 
ceived. God's  word  alone  is  the  rule  of  faith.  V/hat 
he  has  declared  shall  certainly  come  to  pass,  however 
repugnant  it  may  seem  to  carnal  reason.  Thus  our  Sa- 
viour declares  of  Lazarus,  "  This  sickness  is  not  unto 
death  j"  yet  he  afterwards  told  his  disciples  plainly, 
"  Lazarus  is  dead :"  and  Jesus  found  him  in  the  grave 
where  he  had  been  laid  four  days.  But  he,  who  had 
power  over  death  and  the  grave,  knew  his  own  intention 
of  raising  him  up,  for  his  Father's  glory  as  well  as 
glorifying  himself.  This  was  the  great  end  of  his  com- 
ing into  the  world.  Therefore,  in  the  life  and  by  the 
death  of  Jesus,  glory  redounds  **to  God  in  tlie  highest, 
peace  on  earth,  and  good  will  to  men." 

Did  Jesus  love  Lazarus  1  did  his  compassionate  eyes 
drop  a  tear  of  affection  over  his  friend's  grave  1  0  what 


FEBRUARY  22.  85 

an  innumerable  company  of  poor  sinners  did  his  loving 
eyes  behold,  who,  like  Lazarus,  were  not  only  to  all  ap- 
pearance past  hope,  but  actually  "  dead  in  trespasses 
and  sins  !"  And  he  says  of  them  also,  ''  This  sickness  is 
not  unto  death."  Eternal  death  shall  not  have  the  do- 
minion over  them  ;  but  he  would  get  glory  to  God,  and 
glorify  himself,  in  quickening  and  raising  all  God's  cho- 
sen, all  his  dearly  beloved  members. 

On  the  death  of  Lazarus  "  Jesus  wept :  he  groaned 
within  himself;"  and  he  cried  to  his  Father.  How  must 
the  heart  of  Lazarus  be  inflamed  with  love  to  his  dear 
Lord,  forgiving  him  a  second  life  !  0  believer  !  the  rais- 
ing of  thy  soul  from  a  death  of  sin  to  a  life  of  righteous- 
ness, cost  ihy  Saviour  not  only  a  sigh,  a  tear,  a  groan, 
a  prayer  ;  but  agonies,  tortures  beyond  thought,  suffer- 
ings beyond  expression.  His  immaculate  heart's  blood 
he  freely  poured  forth  for  our  sins,  to  procure  the  life 
and  to  obtain  the  salvation  of  our  souls.  Canst  thou 
think  of  this  love  without  reflecting  on  thy  misery  1  O 
hard  heart !  O  cruel  unbelief !  How  little  affected  with 
such  love  as  none  but  a  God  could  show!  Is  this  thy 
case  1  Come  then,  that  the  Son  of  God  may  be  yet  more 
glorified  in  thee  ;  bring  thy  hard  heart  to  the  feet  of  Je- 
sus, and  confess  thy  unbelief  to  him,  with  this  humble 
cry,  ''  Lord,  I  believe,  help  thou  my  unbelief."  Mark,  9  : 
24.  "  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  accep- 
tation, that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners."   1  Tim.  1  :  15. 

"  Come,  happy  souls,  approach  }'-our  God 

"  With  new, melodious  songs; 
"  Come,  tender  to  almighty  grace 

"  The  tribute  of  your  tongues. 

"  So  strange,  so  boundless  was  the  love 

"  That  pitied  dying  men, 
"  The  Father  sent  his  equal  Son 

*'  To  give  them  life  again." 


86  FEBRUARY  23. 

Feb.  23. — Seekest  thou  great  things  for  thyself?  Seek  them  not 
Jer.  45 :  5. 

The  glorious  company  of  the  apostles,  the  goodly  fel- 
lowship of  the  prophets,  ihe  noble  army  of  martyrs,  all 
the  members  of  the  church  of  Christ  in  all  ages,  were 
called  to  deny  and  mortify  self.  In  this  there  is  no  dif- 
ference. All  are  equally  subjects  of  the  same  corrupt 
nature  j  are  men  of  like  passions,  and  are  therefore  in 
danger  of  self-seeking,  and  of  their  affections  being  at- 
tracted from  Jesus  to  the  alluring  objects  of  this  pre- 
sent evil  world.  Here  is  a  very  short  chapter  recording 
the  conduct  of  the  prophet  Baruch.  On  reading  this  we 
may  truly  look  within  and  around  us,  and  cry,  "  Lord, 
what  is  man  V  and  with  astonishment  may  add,  "  that 
thou  art  mindful  of  him." 

Yea,  what  is  every  Baruch,  that  is,  every  blessed  man, 
who  bends  the  knee  to  Jesus  and  is  renewed  in  the 
spirit  of  his  mind  %  Alas  !  he  is  still  of  the  earth,  earthy, 
prone  to  cleave  to  the  dust,  ready  to  seek  great  things 
for  himself  from  the  objects  of  this  world.  One  would 
have  thought,  just  at  a  time  when  the  prophet  had  been 
reading  the  dreadful  roll,  full  of  mourning,  lamentation, 
and  woe  which  were  shortly  to  come  upon  the  kingdom, 
that  this  would  have  entirely  curbed  every  carnal  desire 
after  selfish  views  and  earthly  glory.  But  no  j  the  lusts 
of  the  flesh  can  only  be  mortified  by  the  power  of  the 
Spirit.  Jeremiah  is  sent  with  a  kind  warning  and  tender 
prohibition  to  Baruch :  "  Is  this  a  time  for  self-seeking, 
instead  of  thy  Master's  glory  1  What !  aspire  after  world- 
ly honor  and  dignity  in  a  time  of  threatened  ruin  1  Be 
wise  ;  know  thy  station ;  act  in  character." 

Here,  O  christian,  see  the  picture  of  thy  Own  corrupt 
rature.  Know  thyself.  Consider,  thou  also  art  in  the 
body.  Remember,  "  in  thy  flesh  dwelleth  no  good  thing." 
Though  under  threatened  ruin  and  destruction,  yet  it  will 
lust  after  such  things  as  are  agreeable  to  its  carnal  state. 


FEBRUARY  24.  S7 

Never  say  with  Hazael,  "  Am  I  a  dog,"  that  I  should 
act  thus  and  thus.  Beware  of  the  deceitful  reasonings 
of  the  flesh.  It  ever  has  plausible  pleas  to  urge  for  its 
gratification.  Self-seeking  is  one  of  the  lusts  of  the 
flesh.  All  views  that  arise  from  self,  centre  in  self,  and 
tend  to  please  self,  are  contrary  to  fellowship  in  Jesus. 
If  self  is  indulgeid,  it  will  prove  like  a  pampered  steed, 
to  run  away  with  thy  spirit  from  thy  Beloved.  What 
will  it  profit  thee,  if  thou  couldst  gain  the  whole  world, 
and  lose,  if  not  thy  soul,  yet  sweet  peace  with  God, 
communion  with  Jesus,  and  joyful  fellowship  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  1  "  Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  mammon." 
Matt.  6  :  24. 


Feb.  24. — Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled :  ye  believe  in  God,  be 
lieve  also  inme.  John,  14  :  1. 

Jesus  comforted  the  heart  of  a  sorrowful  widow  by 
restoring  her  dead  son  to  life  again.  Could  he  not  also, 
by  the  power  of  his  Spirit,  console  the  hearts  of  his  dear 
disciples,  without  preaching  outward  rules  and  direc- 
tions to  them  \  Yes,  but  he  will  be  heard  as  our  Prophet. 
Those  disciples  only  who  obey  the  word  of  his  doctrine, 
shall  enjoy  the  consolations  of  his  love.  Troubles  are 
the  common  lot  of  God's  dearest  children  ;  ^^many  are 
the  afflictions  of  the  righteous."  They  feel  and  groan 
under  heart  troubles,  inward  disquietudes,  which  carnal 
men  are  amazed  to  hear  of,  are  utterly  free  from,  and 
congratulate  themselves  that  they  are  not  troubled  about. 

Ah,  this  inward  insensibility  is  a  bad  sign  !  But  the 
troubles  of  his  people  are  the  concern  of  Jesus.  He  has 
a  remedy  against  them.  He  will  give  comfort  under 
them.  Believing  in  an  absolute  God  will  not  do  this. 
For  the  glory  of  his  majesty,  the  greatness  of  his  pow- 
er, the  perfection  of  his  justice,  appear  in  dread  array 
against  us.     We  dare  not  think  of  God   out  of  Christ, 


88  FEBRUARY  25. 

knowing  ourselves  to  be  poor  sinners.  Therefore  says 
Jesus,  **  Believe  also  in  me."  Believe  my  humanity: 
that  I  became  man  for  your  sakes  j  died  for  your  salva- 
tion 5  and  rose  again,  in  your  nature,  to  pray  for  you. 
Remember  the  covenant  that  is  established  between  the 
Father  and  me,  on  your  account.  When  your  poor  hearts 
are  troubled  with  finding  you  are  still  but  ''  unprofitable 
servants,"  you  see  much  cause  for  sorrow,  mourn  and 
complain  that  there  are  so  many  things  amiss  in  you  j 
that  you  do  not  believe  so  perfectly,  love  so  devotedly, 
obey  so  cheerfully  as  you  wish.  Yet,  ever  remember 
I  am  your  Mediator  before  the  throne  :  you  stand  not  in 
the  Father's  love  for  your  work's  sake  ;  but  he  loves  you, 
and  is  well  pleased  with  you  for  my  sake.  Sorrow  not 
as  without  hope  j  but  believe  in  me,  and  be  comforted. 
You  have  no  sin  but  what  my  blood  atoned  for  j  you 
want  no  perfection  but  what  my  righteousness  supplies ; 
you  stand  in  need  of  no  holiness  and  conformity  to  me 
but  what  the  Spirit  bestows.  Thus  believe  on  me  as 
your  living  Head  ;  thus  daily  look  on  yourselves  as  my 
dear  members  j  thus  live  on  me,  and  glorify  me,  as  your 
only  Saviour. 

This  is  to  obey  Christ's  command.  Thus  is  the  trou- 
bled heart  comforted.  This  is  our  sweetest  privilege  : 
let  it  be  our  daily  employ.  Shortly  all  our  troubles  shall 
end  ;  for  "  we  shall  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air ;  and  be 
ever  with  the  Lord.  Wherefore  comfort  one  another 
with  these  words."   1  Thess.  4  :  17,  18. 


Feb.  25. —  While  the  earth  remaineth,  seed-time  ajid  harvest^  and 
cold  and  heat,  and  summer  and  ivinter,  and  day  and  nighty  shall 
not  cease.  Gen.  8 :  22. 

"  Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  the 
promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to 
come."   1  Tim.  4:8.     By  faith  we  receive  the  declara- 


FEBRUARY  25.  89 

tions  of  Jehovah,  as  the  blessings  of  a  father's  love.  The 
returning  seasons,  the  revolving  periods  of  time,  declare 
the  glory  of  our  heavenly  Father.  While  the  christian 
meditates  upon  the  innumerable  blessings  of  time,  and 
gratitude  inspires  his  heart  for  them  ;  yet,  far  nobler  sub- 
jects demand  the  contemplation  of  his  soul.  Happy  for 
us,  when  temporal  blessings  are  enjoyed  as  covenant 
mercies,  and  are  sanctified  to  us  in  Christ.  We  see  and 
adore  the  sovereignty  of  God  in  appointing  times  and 
seasons.  The  immutability  of  his  will  is  the  law  by 
which  they  are  governed.  When  the  fixed  period  shall 
come,  all  nature  shall  be  reduced  to  its  primitive  no- 
thingness. Time  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  a  never-end- 
ing eternity.  Happy  souls,  who  are  taught  the  displays 
of  grace  from  the  images  of  nature  ;  who  bow  to  the 
sovereignty  of  love,  rejoice  in  the  covenant  of  grace, 
and  rest  upon  the  immutability  of  God's  purposes,  and 
promises  in  Christ  to  poor  sinners.  Such  are  assured,  that 
as  in  nature,  so  in  grace,  seed-time  and  harvest  shall  not 
fail  to  God's  church  and  people,  because  of  "  his  ever- 
lasting covenant,  which  is  ordered  in  all  things  and  sure." 
There  is  a  time  for  the  immortal  seed  of  the  word  to 
be  sown  in  every  elect  soul.  This  is  experienced  by 
the  seed  striking  root  in  conviction  of  sin,  and  its  spring- 
ing up  in  faith,  desire,  and  love  to  Jesus.  And  because 
the  Sun  of  righteousness  ever  lives,  and  shines  upon  his 
members,  they  shall  most  assuredly  reap  a  harvest  of 
eternal  glory.  Chilling  cold  and  winter's  blasts  may 
succeed  the  summer  of  love  and  warmth  of  affection. 
Nights  of  darkness,  from  desertion,  temptation,  and  af- 
fliction, may  follow  days  of  peace,  joy,  and  consolation. 
These  various  seasons  and  changes  will  pass  upon  and 
be  experienced  by  believing  souls  "  while  the  earth  re- 
maineth" — so  long  as  our  earthly  nature  continues  j  but 
it  is  sentenced  to  dissolution.  We  must  leave  it  on  this 
side  Jordan  ;  then  we  shall  see  it  no  more,  as  an  enemy, 


90  FEBRUARY  26. 

for  ever.  But,  in  the  presence  of  Jesus,  the  soul  shall 
have  fulness  of  joy,  and  the  body  shall  be  raised  a  glo- 
rious body,  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  which  are  at  God's 
right  hand  for  evermore.  There  shall  be  no  night  of 
darkness,  no  chill  of  affections,  no  winter  of  distress. 
This  is  now  our  sweet  consolation ;  Christ  saith,  "  Be- 
cause I  live,  ye  shall  live  also."  John,  14  :  19.  And 
"  when  Christ  our  life  shall  appear,  then  shall  we  also 
appear  with  him  in  glory."  Col.  3  :  4. 


Feb.  26. — My  soul  cleaveth  unto  the  dust :  quicken  thou  me 
according  to  thy  word.     Psalm  119  :  25. 

One  would  dread  that  state,  more  than  all  others, 
which  St.  Paul  describes  as  "  being  past  feeling."  Eph. 
4  :  19.  True,  there  is  this  alleviation,  such  are  insensible 
of  their  deplorable  condition.  But,  if  the  great  trumpet 
of  the  Gospel  awakes  not  the  soul,  in  this  life,  to  spiritual 
sense  and  feeling,  verily,  the  loud  archangel's  trumpet 
will  rouse  it,  to  hear  its  awful  sentence,  and  feel  its 
dreadful  doom  at  the  last  day.  O  what  a  miracle  of 
grace  to  be  quickened,  to  know  one's  misery,  feel  one's 
wants,  believe  the  remedy,  and  cry  for  relief !  This 
blessed  work  is  not  from  the  will  of  the  flesh.  No  man 
can  quicken  his  own  soul.  It  is  the  sovereign  work  of 
almighty  power.  It  is  equally  ascribed  to  the  loving 
Father,  redeeming  Son,  and  sanctifying  Spirit.  John,  5 : 
21,  and  6  :  63.  Therefore,  gracious  souls,  give  all  the 
glory  to  the  ever-blessed  Trinity.  Be  clothed  with 
humility. 

"  I  am  come,  that  ye  might  have  life,"  saith  Jesus. 
He  quickeneth  the  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins  j  and  then 
they  cry  to  him,  to  have  life  more* abundantly.  Here  is 
the  wisdom  of  heaven-born  souls  ;  they  deny  themselves 
the  vain  pleasures,  carnal  delights,  and  sensual  gratifi- 
cations of  this  world.     They  know  these  things  oppose 


FEBRUARY  27.  91 

the  life,  interrupt  the  peace,  and  damp  the  joy  of  their 
souls.  Their  only  happiness  centres  in  Jesus,  and  in 
life  and  love  communicated  from  him.  Therefore  they 
study  to  avoid  such  things  as  are  contrary  to  his  mind 
and  will.  And  as  they  too  often  find  themselves  cleav- 
ing to  the  dust,  to  the  sensible,  earthly,  vain  enjoyments 
of  this  world,  this  alarms  them,  it  is  a  burden  and  grief 
to  them.  Hence  they  pour  out  their  complaints  to  their 
beloved  Lord,  with  ''  Master,  let  it  not  be  thus.  Quicken 
my  drooping  spirit.  Enliven  my  declining  heart.  Cheer 
my  languishing  soul,  according  to  the  word  of  thy  grace 
and  the  truth  of  thy  promises."  Here  is  the  blessed  con- 
fidence of  faith.  His  word  is  our  plea.  By  that  we  have 
assurance  of  being  heard  and  answered.  The  precepts 
of  his  word  teach  us  his  will ;  and  we  cannot  feel  a  want, 
but  God's  word  promises  to  supply  it.  Therefore,  that 
is  the  warrant  of  faith,  a  light  to  direct  our  feet ;  and  is 
also  our  best  directory  for  prayer.  So  Christ  prays  for 
all  his,  "  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth  :  thy  word  is 
truth."  John,  17 ;  17.  Ever  remember  thy  Lord's  words, 
"  It  is  the  Spirit  that  quickeneth  j  the  flesh  profiteth 
nothing."  John,  6  :  63. 

"  My  soul  lies  cleaving  lo  the  dust  j 

"  Lord,  give  me  life  divine  : 
"  From  vain  desires  and  every  lust 

"  Turn  off  these  eyes  of  mine." 


Feb.  27. — When  the  enemy  shall  come  in  like  ajloody  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a  standard  against  him.  Isa.  59 :  19. 
When  a  poor  sinner  knows  what  human  nature  is,  and 
sees  his  brethren  and  companions  after  the  flesh  "  living 
without  Christ  and  without  God  in  the  world ;"  making 
a  mock  at  sin,  and  ridiculing  his  truths  and  ways  ;  and 
finds  his  own  heart  touched  with  a  holy,  loving  fear  of 
the  Lord,  he  is  ready  to  cry  out.  Whence  is  this  1  He 
can  only  say,  "  Grace  reigneth  ;  the  Sun  of  righteousness 


92  FEBRUARY  27. 

hath  risen  upon  me.  So,  Lord,  it  seemeth  good  in  thy 
sight.  I  have  not  deserved  this.  Thou  hast  spoken  in 
truth,  and  fulfilled  in  faithfulness.  So  thy  word  runs,  so 
thy  Gospel  is  glorified,  free  as  the  sun,  powerful  as  the 
wind."  Jehovah's  word  is  his  people's  triumph.  Here 
are  most  absolute  declarations  for  faith  to  fix  upon,  and 
plead,  in  any  hour  of  Satan's  attack. 

For,  so  sure  as  we  fear  the  Lord,  the  enemy  will  op- 
pose us.  For,  if  he  dare  plead  with  the  Saviour,  "  Shall 
the  prey  be  taken  from  the  mighty,  or  the  lawful  captive 
be  delivered  V  Isa.  49  :  24.  Verily,  he  will  follow  after 
his  once  seized  prey,  and  strive  to  regain  his  ransomed 
captive  ;  yea,  he  will  challenge  the  sinner  as  his  proper- 
ty. But,  is  it  not  strange  that  the  loving,  almighty  Sa- 
viour suffers  the  enemy  to  molest  his  dear  children,  and 
strive  to  tear  his  peace  and  love  from  their  hearts  1  No  : 
it  cannot  be  otherwise  in  our  present  state ;  for  we  are 
clothed  with  a  nature  "  earthly,  sensual,  devilish,"  to 
which  Satan  has  easy  access. 

Humble  souls  have  little  reason  to  complain  that  they 
have  not  known  so  great  a  degree  of  wrath,  nor  have 
been  terrified  with  such  dreadful  apprehensions  of  hell 
and  damnation  as  some  others.  O  rather  love  and  praise 
Jesus  if  thy  soul  is  brought  to  choose  him  in  faith,  and 
follow  him  as  thy  Saviour  and  thy  all,  than  wish  to  have 
the  enemy  let  loose  upon  thy  soul.  But  if  this  is  the 
case,  he  shall  not  go  beyond  the  length  of  his  chain. 
His  power  is  thy  Father's  permission.  He  may  terrify 
with  wrath,  but  it  shall  issue  in  love.  Yea,  though  he 
should,  like  a  powerful  deluge,  come  in  and  distress  with 
blasphemous  thoughts,  perplexing  fears,  and  pronounce 
hell  and  destruction  to  be  thy  doom,  even  then  thou  art 
safe.  The  Saviour's  power  is  thy  shield.  "  The  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a  standard" — the  Lamb  on  the 
cross.  In  the  faith  of  this,  "  resist  the  devil  and  he  will 
flee  from  you."  Janies,  4  :  7 


FEBRUARY  28.  93 

Feb.  28. — If  thj presence  go  not  with  me,  carry  us  not  up  hence. 
Exod.  33  :  15. 

Happy  for  us,  if  this  were  our  address  to  the  Lord 
in  every  enterprise  ;  how  many  distresses  and  diffi- 
culties should  we  avoid !  how  much  more  peaceful  and 
comfortable  should  we  be  in  our  journey  through  life ! 

It  is  a  blessed  thing  to  have  an  especial  eye  to  God's 
presence  as  well  as  to  his  providence.  The  Lord  may 
permit  his  children  to  succeed  in  their  schemes  and  un- 
dertakings, in  the  course  of  his  providence,  when  he 
doth  not  accompany  their  souls  with  his  favor  and  pre- 
sence. Yea,  believer,  canst  thou  not  see  in  many  of  thy 
ways  wherein  thou  hast  been  permitted  to  go,  that  they 
have  proved  the  very  means  of  losing  the  sweet  sense 
of  thy  Lord's  presence  1  Whatever  outward  profit  or 
pleasure  thou  hast  gained,  verily  thou  must  confess  thou 
hast  sustained  an  inward  loss. 

How  doth  it  behove  every  disciple  of  Jesus  to  "  con- 
sider his  ways  !"  It  is  our  wisdom  daily  to  reflect :  What 
is  the  tendency  of  my  present  pursuit  l  what  is  my  chief 
aim  1  what  can  I  expect  from  the  end  of  it  1  am  I  going 
to  gratify  the  flesh,  in  pleasing  diversions,  in  carnal  de- 
lights 1  Stop  one  moment.  Consider.  Canst  thou  ex- 
pect the  presence  of  thy  God  1  Canst  thou  lift  up  thy 
believing  heart  in  prayer  to  Jesus  to  accompany  thee  1 
Certainly,  if  it  is  not  right  to  ask  or  expect  his  spiritual 
presence  to  go  with  thy  soul,  surely  there  it  is  unlawful 
for  thee  to  go.  If  thou  canst  not  pray  in  faith,  canst  thou 
go  in  faith  1  O  remember  the  love  of  thy  Saviour,  who 
died  to  redeem  thee  from  this  present  evil  world.  Call 
to  mind  those  joys  and  pleasures  which  are  experienced 
from  a  sweet  sense  of  his  love  and  presence.  Think 
how  cutting  to  thy  heart,  how  grieving  to  thy  spirit,  if, 
under  any  vain  indulgence,  thy  Saviour  should  put  this 
question.  Disciple,  "  lovest  thou  me  more  than  these  " 
vanities  1     Better  for  Peter  to  have  been  in  his  Lord's 


94  FEBRUARY  29. 

presence  with  a  cold  hody,  than  warming  himself  with 
the  high  priest's  officers  and  servants ;  for  there  he  was 
blown  down  by  the  breath  of  a  damsel.  Let  his  fall 
warn  thee  of  thy  danger. 

It  is  related  of  Satan,  who  had  taken  possession  and 
greatly  terrified  and  distressed  the  soul  of  a  christian, 
that  on  his  being  asked  how  he  dared  to  enter  into  a 
child  of  Godl  he  replied,  '^  I  found  her  on  my  own 
ground,  at  the  play-house;  therefore  I  challenge  her 
as  my  servant."  Whether  the  story  be  true  or  not, 
the  moral  is  good.  Christians  have  no  business  on  the 
devil's  ground.  ''  Be  thou  an  example  of  believers." 
1  Tim.  4  :  12. 

"Not  earth,  nor  all  the  sky 

"  Can  one  delight  afford, 
"  No,  not  a  drop  of  real  joy, 

"  "Without  thy  presence,  Lord." 


[Feb.  29. — Behold,  the  Lord  God  will  come  with  a  strong  hand, 
and  his  arm  shall  rule  for  him :  hehold,  his  reward  is  ivith 
him,  and  his  ivork  before  him.  Isaiah,  40 :  10. 

What  was  foretold  in  prophecy  is  fulfilled  in  the  faith 
and  experience  of  saints.  Here  are  two  notes  of  atten- 
tion. "Behold;"  it  highly  concerns  us.  Take  special 
notice. 

When  the  Lord  God,  our  Immanuel  Jesus,  came  to 
his  temple,  he  found  that  beautiful  building  in  sad  dis- 
order ;  his  spiritual  worship  lost ;  and  his  house  of 
prayer  turned  into  a  den  of  thieves.  Behold,  with  a 
strong  hand  and  out-stretched  arm,  with  no'weapon  but 
an  insignificant  scourge  of  small  cords,  he  drove  the  mul- 
titude from  the  temple.  Amazing  miracle !  The  meek 
Lamb  is  also  ''  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah."  Thus  he 


FEBRUARY  29.  95 

came  not  only  with  a  strong  hand,  but  against  the  strong 
as  some  render  it. 

So,  behold,  he  comes  to  take  possession  of  the  temple 
of  his  people's  hearts.  This  temple  he  finds  in  most  wo- 
ful  plight.  All  the  powers  of  earth  and  hell  are  engaged 
against  him.  ''  The  strong  man  armed  keeps  possession." 
But  precious,  powerful  Jesus  casts  out  Satan,  enters  by 
his  love  and  rules  by  his  Spirit  where  Satan  reigned. 
But  he  comes  not  by  power  only,  but  by  grace  also ; 
behold,  he  brings  his  reward  with  him.  The  distressed 
soul  he  pardons ;  the  naked  soul  he  clothes  with  the 
robe  of  his  righteousness  j  the  hungry  soul  he  feeds  with 
good  things ;  he  giveth  such  his  flesh  to  eat  and  his 
blood  to  drink.  Then,  how  do  their  hearts  pant  after 
Jesus !  how  do  they  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness, and  cry  and  pray,  "  Lord,  increase  our  faith,  that 
we  may  eat  as  thy  friends,  drink  larger  draughts  as 
thy  beloved,  and  be  more  abundantly  satisfied  with  thy 
love!" 

Thus  our  Lord  Christ  rewards  his  people  with  the 
fruits  of  his  own  toils  and  the  blessings  of  his  own 
finished  work  and  salvation,  even  with  righteousness, 
peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  But,  O  Jesus,  cries 
the  poor  sinner,  "  What  a  vile,  sinful,  carnal,  earthly- 
minded  wretch  am  I  still  by  nature!"  Fear  not,  saith  Je- 
sus, thou  art  called  to  look  unto  me.  Behold,  "  my  work 
is  before  me."  Have  I  vanquished  the  powers  of  death 
and  hell  for  thee,  and  can  I  not  conquer  sin  in  thee,  and 
subdue  thy  flesh  under  thee  1  Was  his  blood  the  price 
of  thy  soul  and  the  atonement  of  thy  sins  1  Then  must 
thou  wait  in  faith  for  the  total  destruction  of  thy  last 
enemies,  sin  and  death,  at  his  second  coming.  Then,  in 
the  triumph  of  thy  soul,  thou  shalt  joyfully  proclaim  the 
perfect  victory  ot  Jesus,  and  say,  "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb 
that  was  slain."  Rev.  5  :  12.] 


96  MARCH  1. 

Jflarch, 

March  1. — My  son,  give  me  thine  heart.  Prov.  23  :  26. 

Many  are  the  competitors  for  the  heart  of  man. 
Though  our  dear  Father  and  best  Friend  lovingly  calls 
for  the  free-will  offering  of  this  precious  jewel,  yet  we 
are  foolishly  inclined  to  give  it  to  our  worst  enemies. 
This  pleasing  world,  with  all  its  gay  scenes  of  happiness 
and  joy,  attracts  our  affections,  enchants  our  minds,  and 
bewitches  our  senses,  so  that  we  love  it  dearly,  devote 
our  hearts  to  it,  and  dread  the  very  thoughts  of  leaving  it. 

"  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  God  but  me,"  saith  Je- 
hovah. We  own  the  duty  and  decry  the  wickedness  of 
worshipping  an  idol,  though  all  the  while  we  are  serving 
the  god  of  this  world :  he  blinds  our  eyes  and  we  see  it 
not.  The  grace  of  God,  though  sovereign  in  its  opera- 
tions, yet  acts  not  by  force  and  compulsion,  as  upon 
mere  machines,  destroying  the  will  and  dragging  men 
to  heaven,  as  some  in  contempt  please  to  assert.  No, 
the  service  of  our  Lord  is  perfect  freedom.  He  loves  a 
cheerful  giver.  Glory  to  his  grace,  he  opens  the  eyes 
of  our  understanding  to  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his 
calling,  and  what  are  the  riches  of  his  glory.  Eph.  1  :  18 
Then  we  see  Jesus  as  our  portion  and  treasure,  and 
willingly  and  cheerfully  devote  our  hearts  to  him.  Is 
the  miser's  gold  his  god  1  does  it  captivate  his  heart 
and  delight  his  soul  1  why  so  1  Because  he  sees  that  in 
it  which  suits  his  disposition  and  excites  his  pleasure. 
So  it  is  of  every  other  idol  suited  to  nature  and  sense. 
"  Where  the  treasure  is,  there  will  the  heart  be  also." 
Spiritual  affections  can  only  be  happy  from  spiritual  ob- 
jects. The  heart  can  only  be  happy  in  God,  when  cheer- 
fully given  up  to  him  in  faith  and  love.  This  is  the  very 
essence  of  vital  godliness. 

Our  Father  invites  us  to  spiritual  joys.  ''  I  know,  my 
children,  in  your  present  state,  clothed  with  flesh,  you 


MARCH  2.  97 

have  many  lovers  which  would  rival  me  in  your  affec- 
tions, but  cheerfully  devote  your  heart  to  me.  Let  your 
eyes  be  upon  my  ways.  Consider  my  love  to  you.  I 
gave  my  beloved  Son  to  die  for  you.  My  Spirit  hath 
called  you"  to  enjoy  my  love.  It  is  my  good  pleasure  to 
give  you  a  kingdom  :  therefore,  in  love  to  my  glory  and 
for  your  comfort,  I  demand  your  heart  as  a  free-will  of- 
fering." 0  where  is  the  faithful,  grateful  soul,  but  in  ec- 
stacy  of  love  will  cry  out.  Give,  Lord,  thy  Spirit's  power, 
and  command  what  thou  wilt  1  For,  mind,  this  giving 
the  heart  to  God  is  to  be  the  daily  work  of  thy  life,  be- 
cause thou  art  his  son,  and  a  joint-heir  of  God  with 
Christ.   Rom.  8  :  17. 


March  2.— The  Faiher  himself  loveth  you.  John,  16:27. 
The  history  of  the  life  of  sorrows,  and  death  of  shame, 
the  curse,  and  agony  which  Jesus  sustained  for  sinners, 
were  this  believed  perfectly  in  the  heart,  would  fill  us 
with  the  strongest  affection,  and  inflame  us  with  the  most 
fervent  love.  But,  alas !  all  have  reason  to  complain 
for  want  of  stronger  faith  and  greater  love  to  Christ. 
O  unbelief,  what  an  enemy  to  love  !  Our  love  keeps 
pace  with  our  faith.  As  one  grows  stronger,  the  other 
increases.  But  if  faith  grows  weak,  love  declines.  There 
is  no  sinner,  who  believes  the  record  of  Jesus'  love  and 
salvation  as  his  only  hope  and  confidence,  whose  love 
is  not,  in  some  degree,  drawn  out  to  Jesus;  for  "faith 
worketh  by  love."  The  soul  in  its  first  love,  and  for 
a  season,  perhaps,  thinks  more  of  the  love  of  Christ  than 
the  love  of  the  Father.  It  may^  be  he  considers  that 
what  the  Saviour  did  and  suffered  for  sinners,  wars  to 
procure  the  love  of  the  Father  to  them,  and  to  appease 
the  fury  of  his  wrath  against  them.  But  this  is  not  right. 
Let  no  disciple  think  so.  For,  saiththe  Saviour,  ''  The 
Father  himself  loveth  you."     Yea,  he  teacheth  us  the 

B.  Trcai-uiy.  k 


98  MARCH  3. 

love  of  the  Father,  as  the  only  source  and  spring-  of  his 
coming  in  the  flesh  to  save  us  j  for  "  God  so  loved  the 
world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whoso- 
ever believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  ever- 
lasting life."  John,  3  :  16. 

Hence  it  is  plain,  God  the  Father  loves  sinners,  loves 
them  inexpressibly,  with  the  greatest  aflection.  For  he 
gave — whoml  an  angell  an  archangel '?  myriads  of  the 
heavenly  host  X  No  ;  but  one  infinitely  more  dear  to 
him,  his  Son,  his  only  begotten,  his  dearly  beloved  Son, 
who  lay  in  his  bosom  from  all  eternity,  that  we  might 
*'  believe  on  him,  and  live  in  him."  So,  the  effect  proves 
the  cause.  It  is  plain,  the  love  of  the  Father  to  his  peo- 
ple was  prior  to  the  Son's  coming  into  the  world  to  save 
them,  or  to  their  belief  on  Jesus.  For,  says  he,  "  No 
man  can  come  unto  me,  except  the  Father  draw  him." 
John,  6  :  44.  And  because  the  Father  "hath  loved  us 
with  an  everlasting  love,  therefore  with  loving-kindness 
he  draws  to  Jesus."  ''  Behold,"  0  ye  followers  of  the 
Lamb,  "  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed 
on  us."  1  John,  3:1.  Trace  his  love  to  the  fountain-head. 
"Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  hath  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings 
in  heavenly  places  in  Christ ;  according  as  he  hath  cho- 
sen us  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we 
should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love, 
having  predestinated  us  to  the  adoption  of  children,  by 
Christ,  to  himself."  To  what  end  1  even  "  to  the  praise 
of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath  made  us  ac- 
cepted in  the  Beloved."  Eph.  1  :  6. 


March  3. — I  knew  a  man  in  Christ  about  fourteen  years  ago^ 
such  an  one  caught  up  to  the  third  heaven.  2  Cor.  12  :  2. 
Visions,  manifestations,  raptures,  and  ecstasies  of  soul, 
though  even  from  God  himself,  (which  there  is  ever  good 


MARCH  3.  99 

reason  to  suspect,  unless  they  sink  the  soul  in  humility, 
and  excite  such  love  to  Jesus  as  is  founded  in  know- 
ledge, and  productive  of  obedience,)  are  not  to  be  glo- 
ried in.  St.  Paul  says,  it  is  not  expedient  for  me  to  glory. 
I  know  the  danger,  I  fear  the  evil  of  it,  from  the  pride 
and  treachery  of  my  nature.  It  tends  to  exalt  one  above 
measure  ;  and  to  make  others  think  more  highly  of  one 
than  they  ought  to  think.  Therefore,  glorying  in  these 
things  is  to  be  avoided.  Indeed,  the  cause  of  truth  may 
require  it,  and  the  glory  of  God  may  be  promoted  by  it. 
Though,  on  these  accounts,  it  may  be  expedient  to  glo- 
ry; yet  it  is  not  expedient,  for  the  christian's  own  sake, 
to  do  it.  So  Paul  declared.  Yet  he  did  glory  ;  for  ne- 
cessity compelled  him. 

Behold,  admire,  and  imitate  the  humility  of  this  great 
apostle,  "  I  knew  a  man  in  Christ,"  &c.  When  he  speaks 
of  himself,  it  is  as  a  poor  sinner,  under  the  most  hum- 
bling, self-abasing  views.  Then  it  is  I  myself.  Rom.  7. 
But  here,  lest  ostentation  should  appear,  he  conceals 
himself  under  the  character  of  another  man.  What  a 
contrast  is  here  between  self-exalting  principles  and  the 
grace  of  the  Gospel!  How  widely  different  this  from 
the  notions  which  many  professors  entertain!  For,  if 
they  can  but  give  a  tolerable  account  of  some  vision, 
revelation,  or  manifestation,  which  they  suppose  was 
from  God,  they  conclude  they  know  their  sins  are  for- 
given, and  all  is  well.  Perhaps  this  may  have  passed  on 
them  fourteen  years  ago,  more  or  less.  But  what  is  their 
frame  and  temper  now  1  what  their  pursuit  and  practice  ? 
If  there  is  no  present  evidence  of  faith,  hope,  love,  and 
obedience  ;  but  if,  while  sunk  into  carnality  and  the  love 
of  the  world,  they  are  yet  strong  in  confidence  that  their 
sins  are  forgiven,  and  bold  in  hope  of  the  safety  of  their 
state— surely  such  are  blinded  to  the  hope  of  the  Gospel, 
through  the  spirit  of  this  world.  Satan  transforms  him- 
self from  a  minister  of  darkness  into  an  angel  of  light. 


JOO  MARCH  4. 

Luther  was  wont  to  caution  against  the  white  devil  as 
well  as  the  black  one.  By  how  many  ways  are  we  liable 
to  be  deluded !  How  then  doth  it  behove  us  to  be  on  our 
guard,  searching  the  Scriptures  and  praying  the  Lord 
to  keep  us !  The  apostle  John's  advice  is  ever  needful, 
"  Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but  try  the  spirits 
whether  they  are  of  God :  because  many  false  prophets 
are  gone  out  into  the  world."   1  John,  4  :  1. 


March  4.. —  Tftese  things  have  I  written  unto  you  that  believe  on 
the  name  of  the  Son  of  God;  that  ye  may  know  that  ye  have 
eternal  life^  and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of 
God.    1  John,  5  :  13, 

Little  Benjamin  was  as  dear  to  his  father  Jacob  as  his 
elder  brethren.  The  child  Samuel  was  as  truly  a  priest 
to  the  Lord  as  old  Eli.  So  the  feeblest  lamb  in  the  flock 
of  Christ,  though  ever  so  weak  in  faith  and  knowledge, 
yet  is  as  dear  to  the  Father  as  the  strongest  believer, 
loved  with  the  same  everlasting  love,  alike  interested  in 
the  salvation  of  Jesus,  and  as  certainly  an  heir  of  eter- 
nal life.  Many  weak  children  are  ready  to  own  this  j  but 
they  doubt  in  their  minds,  and  suspect  in  their  hearts^ 
not  happily  knowing,  nor  being  comfortably  assured  of 
their  own  interest  in  the  salvation  of  Jesus.  There  were 
such  in  the  apostles'  days  j  therefore  the  Comforter  in- 
spires the  beloved  John  to  write  to  them.  He  conde 
scends  to  notice  their  weakness  of  knowledge  and  com- 
fort, because  of  the  small  degree  of  their  faith  ,•  but  yet 
he  speaks  with  the  strongest  assurance,  and  the  boldest 
confidence,  of  the  truth  of  salvation  by  Jesus.  That  is 
most  certain.  Eternal  life  is  by  Jesus  only  ;  and  is  sure 
to  every  member  of  his.  Do  you  believe  in  the  name 
of  the  Son  of  God,  as  the  only  Saviour  of  lost  sinnersi 
This  truth  lies  at  the  foundation  of  the  hope  of  the  Gos- 


MARCH  5.  iOl 

pel :  when  this  is  believed  in  the  heart,  that  soul  has  the 
earnest  of  eternal  life.  By  continuing  to  believe,  it 
gains  knowledge  and  assurance,  as  the  fruits  of  faith. 
When  the  Spirit  has  bestowed  the  precious  gift  of  faith, 
how  weak  soever  the  soul  may  be  in  the  experience  of 
comfort  and  joy ;  how  much  soever  it  may  feel  the  work- 
ings of  carnal  nature,  unsanctified  reason,  and  remaining 
unbelief,  its  sensible  groanings  and  sorrowful  complaints 
are  evidences  of  the  life  of  the  soul,  through  the  faith  of 
Jesus.  But  is  the  poor  soul  always  to  abide  in  this  weak, 
low,  mourning  state  1  No :  that  cannot  be.  Jesus  will 
make  his  members  happy  in  him.  The  Spirit  who  be- 
gets faith  in  the  heart  by  the  word,  strengthens  it  also 
by  the  same  truth.  Faith  comes  by  hearing  the  word, 
and  is  increased  thereby.  Therefore  is  Jesus  and  eter- 
nal life  revealed.  The  apostles  wrote,  and  ministers 
preach  of  this,  that  weak  faith  may  be  strengthened, 
strong  faith  increased ;  that  knowledge  may  grow,  and 
assurance  be  comfortably  enjoyed ;  that  believers  may 
continue  to  believe,  and  persevere  in  believing,  on  the 
Son  of  God ;  who  is  "  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  our 
faith."    Heb.  12  :  2. 


March  5. — Whosoever  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Christy  is  h^rri 
of  God.    1  John,  5 :  L 

It  is  too  common  for  many  of  God's  dear  children  to 
perplex  and  distress  their  minds  in  seeking  after  marks 
and  evidences  of  the  new  birth,  expecting  to  find  them 
outwardly  in  the  flesh,  instead  of  looking  inwardly  to 
the  spirit.  For  the  satisfaction  and  comfort  of  all  such, 
the  Holy  Ghost  hath  laid  dow^n  this  inward  evidence, 
faith  in  Jesus,  as  an  incontestable  mark  of  a  new-born  soul. 

When  Peter  made  that  glorious  confession,  "  Thou 
art  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God,"  Jesus  replied, 
•'  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  j  for  flesh  and  blood  hath  not 


102  MARCH  5. 

revealed  it  unto  thee,  but  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven." 
Matt.  16  :  16,  17.  All  the  powers  of  human  nature  and 
reason,  so  far  from  teaching,  are  at  enmity  against  this 
soul-saving  truth.  No  man  can  teach  it  his  brother,  so 
as  to  cause  his  heart  to  receive  and  believe  it.  It  is  a 
knowledge  only  revealed  by  the  Spirit,  received  and  be- 
lieved by  heaven-born  souls,  that  the  man  Jesus  is  the 
only  Saviour,  that  he  is  the  Anointed  of  God  to  the  work 
of  saving  lost  sinners.  The  very  devils  know  and  confess 
this,  but  without  any  hope  of  salvation  hereby.  But, 
when  any  poor  sinner  is  enabled  to  believe  this  in  his 
heart,  it  is  a  sure  and  blessed  evidence  of  the  love  of  the 
Father  and  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Then  "  he 
hath  the  witness  in  himself  that  he  is  born  of  God."  He 
hath  the  mark  and  evidence  of  a  child  of  God  within 
him.  As  the  gift  of  Jesus  is  the  fruit  of  God's  everlast- 
ing love,  so  faith  in  Jesus  is  the  fruit  of  his  having  died 
for  our  sins,  risen  again  for  our  justification,  ascended 
to  the  Father,  and  sent  the  Holy  Ghost  to  testify  of  him. 
This  belief  honors  the  God  of  truth,  and  glorifies  the 
God  of  grace,  by  receiving  the  record  he  has  given  of 
his  beloved  Son  Jesus.  It  is  a  holy  faith ;  it  dwells  ia 
holy  hearts,  and  produces  holy  fruits.  Happy  that 
heart  which  has  received  this  power  and  privilege  to 
become  a  son  of  God.  The  love  of  the  holy  Trinity  is 
upon  such  a  soul.  It  is  his  privilege,  like  the  happy 
eunuch,  "  to  go  on  his  way  rejoicing."  It  is  his  happi- 
ness ever  to  be  "  looking  unto  Jesus,  the  Author  and 
Finisher  of  our  faith ;"  relying  on  Jesus,  who  is  our 
righteousness,  (1  Cor.  1  :  30  ;)  trusting  in  Jesus,  who  is 
our  hope,  (1  Tim.  1:1;)  rejoicing  in  Jesus,  who  is  our 
peace,  (Eph.  2:14;)  glorying  in  Jesus,  who  is  our  atone- 
ment, (Rom.  5  :  11;)  and  thus,  as  poor  sinners,  ever 
"  looking  for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto 
eternal  life."    Jude,  21. 


MARCH  6.  103 

March  6. — Jesus  said,  I  thank  thee.,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  loise 
and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes.  Even  so. 
Father:  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight.  Matt.  11 :  25,  26. 

The  true  ministers  of  Christ  are  greatly  encouraged 
in  their  labors,  knowing  they  serve  that  sovereign  Lord 
who  hath  declared,  "  My  word  shall  not  return  to  me 
void,  but  it  shall  accomplish  that  which  I  please  ;  it  shall 
prosper  in  the  thing  whereunto  I  sent  it."  Isa.  55  :  11. 
To  some  the  Gospel  is  "a  savor  of  life  unto  life;"  unto 
others,  "of  death  unto  death."  To  some  Jesus  is  re- 
vealed ;  to  others  the  Gospel  is  hid.  Nevertheless  his 
ministers  '^  are  unto  God  a  sweet  savor  of  Christ,  in 
them  that  are  saved,  and  in  them  that  perish."  2 
Cor.  2 :  15. 

What  shall  we  say  to  these  things  1  shall  we  dare 
cavil  against  the  sovereign  dispensations  of  God,  or  ar- 
raign him  at  the  bar  of  our  weak  judgments  1  shall  the 
potsherds  of  the  earth  contend  with  Jehovah  and  say, 
What  doest  thou  \  Shall  the  pride  of  our  carnal  reason 
and  the  rebellion  of  our  corrupt  nature  vent  itself  with 
"  I  will  not  allow  it  at  all ;  I  cannot  allow  it  to  be  just 
and  righteous,  that  the  Lord  should  act  with  sovereignty, 
give  or  withhold  his  special  grace  as  it  seemeth  good 
unto  himi"  St.  Paul  sharply  reproves  such  daring 
speeches,  "Nay  but,  O  man,* who  art  thou  that  repliest 
against  God  V  It  is  plain  that  such  walk  not  humbly  ; 
they  have  not  the  mind  of  Christ.  The  Father's  will 
was  his  joy ;  Jehovah's  purposes  his  delight ;  and  with 
sovereign  dispensations  Jesus  most  cheerfully  acqui- 
esced: "Even  so.  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy 
sight."  Herein  he  hath  left  us  an  example.  This  is  be- 
yond all  other  reasons  we  can  assign  for  God's  dealings 
both  in  grace  and  providence.  Such  sentiments  show- 
that  we  have  been  taught  of  God,  are  little  in  our  own 


104^  MARCH  7. 

eyes,  are  as  babes  in  our  own  judgment,  and  are  sub- 
missive children  to  our  Father's  will. 

A  spiritual  revelation  of  the  hope  of  the  Gospel  is 
by  the  sovereign  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  '^  who  divideth 
to  every  man  severally  as  he  will."  It  ever  begets  hu- 
mility of  heart :  Why  me,  Lord  1  creates  amazement 
of  soul :  What  am  1 1  ever  excites  love  and  gratitude : 
Am  I  called  to  the  faith  of  Jesus  and  the  hope  of  salva- 
tion, while  others  of  the  wise  and  prudent  of  this  world 
are  left  in  the  darkness,  pride,  and  rebellion  of  their  na- 
ture 1  0  what  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  1  How  fear- 
ful to  offend,  how  studious  to  please,  how  joyful  to  glo- 
rify my  God  ought  I  to  be  from  day  to  day !  "  looking 
unto  Jesus,  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith." 
Hebrews,  12  :  2. 


March  7. — Take  heed  to  yourselves :  Jf  thy  brother  trespass 
against  thee  seven  times  in  a  day^  and  seven  times  in  a  day 
turn  again  to  thee,  sayings  I  repent ;  thou  shalt  forgive  him. 
Luke,  17  :  3,  4. 

Mind  this  loving  word.  "Do  thyself  no  harm."  The 
least  degree  of  malice,  hatred,  or  revenge,  is  contrary 
to  the  genius  of  the  Gospel,  inconsistent  with  the  cha- 
racter of  a  disciple  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Jesus.  But 
our  Master  knows  what  is  in  man  j  that  his  members  are 
composed  of  flesh  as  well-  as  spirit,  and  therefore  that 
they  are  liable  to  offend  one  against  another,  so  as  to 
hurt  and  injure  each  other  in  the  peace  of  their  minds 
and  fellowship  of  their  spirits.  So  also  they  cause  the 
way  of  truth  to  be  evil  spoken  of  by  the  adversaries,  who 
are  glad  at  every  advantage  to  cry  out,  "O  these  your 
saints!  see  how  they  bite  and  devour  each  other." 
Therefore  "  take  heed  to  yourselves,"  saith  the  Head  to 
his  members.  Watch  against  this  evil.  Offences  will 
come.    I  teach  you  how  to  deport  yourself  under  them. 


MARCH  8.  105 

Suppose  thy  brother  trespass  against  thee,  pity  his 
weakness,  pray  for  him  by  name  to  thy  Father  and  his 
Father.  Beware  of  angry  resentment.  If  he  aggravates 
his  offence  by  frequent  repetition,  thou  shalt  in  no  wise 
hate  thy  brother  j  but  as  oft  as  he  offends,  if  he  as  often 
"turn  again  to  thee,  saying,  I  repent ;  thou  shah  forgive 
him."  But  are  we  not  to  forgive  him  until  and  unless  he 
do  turn  and  say,  I  repent'?  In  one  sense  we  ought j  per- 
haps not  in  another.  We  must  not,  at  our  peril,  enter- 
tain anger,  or  let  the  sun  go  down  on  our  wrath,  but  in 
our  hearts  freely  and  fully  forgive  an  offending  brother. 
But  what  if  he  remains  stubborn  and  persists  in  a  spirit 
of  bitterness  1  Even  then  we  are  to  forgive  him  in  our 
hearts,  and  be  desirous  of  embracing  him  in  love. 

But  may  we  not  justly  suspend  declaring  our  forgive- 
ness to  him,  until  he  turn  and  say,  I  repent  l  Herein 
have  we  not  God's  word  and  method  as  our  example  % 
Though  God  loves  his  people  in  Christ,  and  for  his  sake 
pardons  their  sins,  yet  until  they  actually  turn  to  him 
and  repent  he  doth  not  manifest  his  pardon  and  love  to 
them.  But  let  us  ever  remember,  as  God's  thoughts  of 
love  are  towards  us  before  we  turn  to  him,  so  our 
thoughts  of  love  should  be  to  our  offending  brethren 
ere  they  turn  to  us.  Doth  the  Lord  Jesus  require  us  to 
forgive  every  repeated  offence,  even  until  seventy  times 
seven,  four  hundred  and  ninety  times  daily  1  surely  then 
he  will  magnify  his  love  and  display  his  mercy  in  par- 
doning the  innumerable  offences  of  all  who  turn  to  him. 
"  Forgiving  one  another,  even  as  God,  for  Christ's  sake, 
hath  forgiven  you."  Eph.  4  :  32. 


March  8. — And  I  said,  This  is  my  infirmity.    Psalm  77  :  10. 

While  in  the  body,  we  are  in  such  an  imperfect  state 
as  to  be  liable  to  various  exercises  of  mind,  through  in- 
dwelling   corruptions   and   the    suggestions    of  Satan 

5* 


106  MARCH  8. 

Saints  in  all  ages  have  experienced  fluctuating  frames. 
Like  mariners  on  a  tempestuous  sea,  at  one  time  they 
seem  to  mount  up  to  heaven,  in  comfort  and  joy  j  at  an- 
other, they  sink  down,  in  apprehension,  to  the  depths 
of  hell  J  then,  like  persons  at  their  wits'  end,  they  ex- 
press themselves  in  a  very  unreasonable  manner.  Doubt 
and  uncertainty  take  place  of  knowledge  and  truth;  un- 
belief seems  to  prevail  against  faith :  and  they  are  ready 
to  call  all  in  question  j  not  only  past  sweet  experiences 
of  God's  love  to  their  souls,  but  the  very  existence  of 
God's  promises,  faithfulness,  and  truth.  And  they  write 
with  the  pen  of  inspiration  (though  not  of  the  Spirit  of 
truth,  but  of  a  lying  spirit)  many  false  and  bitter  things 
against  themselves.  *'  Wo  is  me,  I  am  undone,"  saith 
Isaiah.  "  Wo  is  me,"  saith  Jeremiah.  "  Without  were 
fightings,  within  were  fears,"  say  the  apostles.  "  I  shall 
one  day  perish  by  the  hand  of  Saul,"  saith  David.  And 
in  this  psalm  hope  seems  to  be,  as  it  were,  giving  up 
the  ghost,  and  with  languid,  faint  accents,  breathes, 
"  Will  the  Lord  cast  off  for  ever  1  will  he  be  favorable 
no  morel  is  his  mercy  clean  gone  for  everl  doth  his 
promise  fail  for  evermore  1  hath  God  forgotten  to  be 
gracious  1  hath  he,  in  anger,  shut  up  his  tender  mer- 
cies 1" 

So  you  see,  O  tossed,  tempted,  tried  believer,  this  is 
the  way  saints  in  all  ages  have  gone,  to  glory.  Thou  hast 
thy  lot  with  them  now  j  soon  thou  also  shalt  be  where 
they  are.  But  O  what  a  gloomy  prospect,  what  soul- 
distressing  views  must  that  poor  sinner  have  who  lives 
upon  his  frames,  whose  hope  springs  from  his  own  faith- 
fulness, or  who  trusts  to  the  exercise  of  his  own  grace, 
instead  of  the  God  of  all  grace,  the  blessed  Jesus,  "  who 
is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever  !",  How  com- 
forting !  how  heart-reviving  to  know  that  the  Lord, 
"  who  sent  redemption  unto  his  people,  will  ever  be 
mindful  of  his  covenant,  which  standeth  fast  for  ever!" 


MARCH  9.  .  107 

Psalm  111  :  5.  Therefore  the  Holy  Spirit  stands  en- 
gaged, in  covenant  contract,  to  execute  his  office  as 
the  Comforter.  When  he  is  pleased  to  revive  the  soul 
with  the  views  of  Jesus,  his  glorious  work  and  finished 
salvation,  Satan  retires  abashed  :  the  believer  returns  to 
his  right  mind,  takes  shame  to  himself,  and  says.  That 
I  should  ever  doubt  of  thy  love,  call  in  question  thy 
truth,  and  suspect  thy  faithfulness ;  0  my  God,  "  this  is 
my  infirmity !" 

"  In  vain  the  tempter  frights  my  soul, 

"  And  breaks  my  peace  in  vain ; 
*'  One  glimpse,  dear  Saviour,  of  thy  face 

"  Revives  my  joys  again." 


March  9. — Wherefore,  heioved,  seeing  that  ye  look  for  such 
things,  he  diligent  that  ye  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace, 
without  spot  and  blameless.    2  Peter,  3  :  14. 

It  is  a  most  grand  delusion  to  imagine  that  the  doc- 
trines of  grace  tend  to  lull  the  soul  asleep  in  supine  in- 
dolence or  slothful  stupidity.  The  believer  hath  not  so 
learned  Christ.  Though  he  is  saved  by  grace  freely,  yet 
he  is  called  to  ^'  labor  diligently."  By  faith  he  looks 
forward  to  the  fulfilment  of  awful  predictions  and  pre- 
cious promises.  Hence  we  are  excited  to  daily  dili- 
gence in  the  performance  of  duties,  the  use  of  means, 
and  the  exercise  of  graces. 

Do  we  look  for  the  burning  of  the  earth,  the  elements, 
and  all  sublunary  things  1  do  we  expect  to  be  inhabitants 
of  new  heavens  and  a  new  earth  1  do  we  wait,  and  some- 
times long  for  the  coming  of  the  Lamb,  our  loving  Mas- 
ter and  precious  Saviour  1  and  shall  we  indulge  carnal 
ease  and  spiritual  sloth  1  shall  we  not  fear  to  be  found 
of  Jesus  in  such  a  state  1 

Most  true,  "Jesus  hath  made  peace  for  us  by  the  blood 
of  his  cross  "     But  shall  we  not  be  diligent  to  maintain 


108  MARCH  10. 

a  lively  sense  of  this  sweet  peace  in  our  hearts  1  shall 
we  not  labor  after  purity  of  heart  1  And  how  is  this  to 
he  expected,  but  by  studiously  avoiding  those  things 
which  tend  to  draw  the  heart  and  alienate  the  affections 
from  Jesus  1  If  we  lose  sight  of  the  Lamb,  we  lose  the 
sense  of  peace.  If  we  look  at  the  things  which  are  seen, 
this  begets  love  to  them,  and  increases  anxious  solici- 
tude for  them.  And,  alas !  then  they  only  pierce  us 
through  with  many  sorrows.  And  most  of  all,  when  we 
are  in  our  right  minds,  do  not  our  sorrows  increase,  if 
we  decrease  in  spiritual  diligence,  and  grow  in  w^orldly- 
mindedness. 

Christian,  though  thou  knowest  it  is  God  that  giveth 
thee  power  to  get  wealth,  and  his  providence  is  engaged 
to  preserve  thy  body  ;  yet  this  doth  not  cause  thee  to 
abate  thy  diligence  in  thy  worldly  concerns  ;  nor  doth 
it  make  thee  careless  to  preserve  thy  body  from  harm, 
and  administer  to  it  such  things  as  are  for  its  health. 
Most  happy  is  it  for  thee  thus  daily  to  watch  over  and 
care  for  the  peace  and  purity  of  thy  soul.  Jesus  is  thy 
peace  :  by  living  on  him  peace  is  enjoyed.  He  is  thy 
Saviour  :  by  looking  to  him  thou  shalt  be  kept  from  sin. 
Thus,  by  maintaining  fellowship  with  Christ,  walking 
with  Christ,  keeping,  up  a  free  intercourse  with  Christ, 
peace  of  mind  and  purity  of  heart  are  preserved.  In  this 
way,  verily,  thou  shalt  be  blameless.  And  be  assured, 
■'the  diligent  soul  shall  be  made  fat."    Prov.  13  :  4. 


March  10. — We  shall  not  find  any  occasion  against  this  Daniel^ 
except  we  find  it  against  hiin  concerning  the  law  of  his  God, 
Daniel,  6  :  5. 

Happy  Daniel,  to  have  such  a  testimony  of  thy  con- 
duct from  the  mouth  of  thine  implacable  enemies'? 
These  men  could  allege  nothing  against  this  servant  of 
God,  in  regard  to  his  outward  life  and  conversation  3  for 


xMARCH  10.  109 

he  was  a  good  subject,  a  quiet  neighbor,  just  and  honest 
in  his  dealings.  Though  in  an  eminent  station,  yet,  with 
what  contempt  and  scorn  do  they  seem  to  speak  of  him  ! 
This  Daniel,  this  over-righteous  fellow,  who  pretends  to 
be  more  religious  than  all  the  rest  of  his  neighbors.  As 
it  was  in  the  beginning,  so  it  is  now,  and  ever  will  be  j 
he  that  is  born  after  the  flesh  will  persecute  him  that  is 
born  after  the  Spirit.  Gal.  4  :  29.  What  then  1  our  ene- 
mies no  sooner  assault  us  with  their  tongues,  but  our 
God  takes  our  part.  "  If  ye  be  reproached  for  the  name 
of  Christ,  blessed  are  ye  ;  for  the  Spirit  of  glory  and  of 
God  resteth  upon  you."   1  Pet.  4  :  14. 

But  let  every  disciple  see  to  it  that  he  suffers  as  a 
christian.  Take  heed  that  thy  life  and  conduct  be  as 
becometh  the  Gospel.  It  is  a  great  blessing  so  to  live 
that  carnal  men  can  find  no  just  occasion  against  our 
moral  conduct.  This  they  are  judges  of.  Their  eyes 
are  upon  us.  They  watch  over  us  for  evil.  This  ought 
to  make  us  very  circumspect.  Our  religion  they  con- 
temn. For  this  every  follower  of  the  Lamb  is  sure  to 
be  hated  for  his  Master's  sake.  Wo  be  unto  us  when 
all  men  speak  well  of  us,  saith  our  Master.  Luke,  G  :  26. 
They  seek  enough  against  us,  as  to  our  faith,  hope,  and 
life.  And  some  would  as  surely  cast  us  into  a  den  of 
lions,  as  they  did  Daniel,  were  it  practicable  and  permit- 
ted. Yet  they  could  not  deprive  him  of  the  love,  pre- 
sence, and  protection  of  the  Son  of  God.  These  make 
every  place  a  heaven  of  delight  and  joy.  And  when 
hated  of  all  men  for  his  sake,  he  pronounces  us  blessed, 
bids  us  rejoice,  and  hath  left  us  an  example,  patiently  to 
follow  his  steps. 

Christ's  dying  prayer,  for  his  very  murderers,  was, 
''  Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 
Ignorance  of  the  truth  is  the  cause  of  hatred  and  malice 
against  his  servants.  Hast  not  thou  a  heart  to  pity  and 
a  tongue  to  pray  for  thy  enemies  1  Here  we  may  indulge 


no  MARCH  11. 

sweet  revenge.  These  weapons  we  may  always  use. 
And  how  knowest  thou  but  the  most  furious  persecutor, 
like  Paul,  may  be  a  chosen  vessel  of  God  the  Father, 
redeemed  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  and  ere  to-morrow's 
sun  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit  may  make  him  a  hum- 
ble penitent  1  '^  Who  maketh  thee  to  differ  from  an^ 
other  %  or  M-hat  hast  thou  that  thou  didst  not  receive  V 
1  Corinthians,  4  :  7. 


March  11. — For  Christ  is  entered  into  heaven  itself,  now  to 
appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us.    Heb.  9  :  24 

How  highly  was  Zacharias  honored  !  He  heard  the 
Gospel  of  salvation  from  the  mouth  of  an  angel,  who 
said,  "I  am  Gabriel,  who  stand  in  the  presence  of  God, 
and  am  sent  unto  thee,  to  show  thee  these  glad  tidings." 
But  we  see  the  awful  effects  of  unbelief.  Though  thus 
beloved  and  honored  of  God,  yet  he  was  struck  dumb 
for  a  season.  Luke,  1  :  20.  Though  God  most  dearly 
loves  his  people  in  Christ,  yet  he  sees  their  sins,  and 
with  fatherly  affection  chastises  for  them. 

Do  we  not  see  something  of  our  own  case  here  1  For 
as  faith  inspires  the  heart  and  tongue  with  boldness,  so 
unbelief  strikes  us  dumb.  We  cannot  speak  a  word  or 
offer  a  plea  for  our  poor  souls,  if  faith  lose  sight  of  Je- 
sus. But  he  never  forgets  us.  Our  souls  are  never  ne- 
glected by  him.  The  Lamb  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne 
for  us  In  our  nature,  in  the  same  human  body  which 
was  hanged  on  the  tree,  with  the  five  pierced  wounds  of 
his  hands,  his  feet  and  precious  side,  he  appears  in  the 
presence  of  God.  There,  like  some  victorious  con- 
queror, who  has  gloriously  delivered  his  country  from 
the  cruelty  and  rage  of  a  merciless  enemy,  lie  glories 
in  the  scars  he  received  in  the  field  of  battle. 

When  Jesus  wept  over  dead  Lazarus,  "  See  how  he 
loved  him !"    said  the  Jews.     But  when  poor   sinners 


MARCH  12.  Ill 

think  of  our  dear  Lord's  wounds,  crucifixion,  agonies, 
and  death,  O  what  infinitely  greater  reason  have  we  to 
say.  See  how  he  loved  us  !  see  how  he  still  loves  us ! 
Notwithstanding  all  our  base,  unloving  behavior  to  him, 
still,  0  soul-affecting  truth  !  still  he  appears  before  God 
for  us  J  he  presents  his  once  mangled  body,  he  pleads 
his  once  bleeding  wounds  in  our  behalf,  as  the  atoning 
sacrifice  for  our  sins,  for  our  salvation.  Thus  glorified, 
Jesus  now  appears  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us  ;  as  our 
Mediator  and  Lord,  our  precious  Saviour,  our  affection- 
ate Advocate  and  powerful  Intercessor. 

But  saith  the  adversary,  "  This  is  a  cunningly  devised 
fable."  "  What  profit  is  this  to  me  1"  saith  carnal  rea- 
son, backed  with  unbelief.  But  the  Spirit  of  truth  bears 
witness  to  this,  first,  in  type  and  figure  under  the  law; 
and,  now,  in  reality  and  substance  in  the  Gospel.  To 
this  very  end,  that  at  any  time,  when  sin  burdens  the 
conscience,  when  sorrow  bows  down  the  heart,  doubts 
arise  in  the  mind,  and  fears  oppress  the  spirit,  the  poor 
sinner  may  with  confidence  thus  consider  Jesus,  look 
unto  him,  and  call  upon  him  j  and  find  this  to  be  the  food 
of  his  faith  and  the  support  of  his  soul :  for  "  if  God  be 
for  us,  who  can  be  against  usl"    Rom.  8  :  31. 


March  12. — And  she  shall  hrmg  forth  a  son,  and  thou  shall  call 
his  name  JESUS  ;  for  he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins. 
Matthew,  1 :  21. 

O  precious  birth!  precious  son!  precious  name  !  The 
Holy  Ghost  brings  consolation  to  the  hearts  of  poor  sin- 
ners from  the  belief  of  the  manhood  of  Jesus.  To  this 
end  he  bears  so  particular  witness  in  the  word,  of 
Christ's  conception  and  birth.  It  is  our  happiness,  at 
all  times,  to  consider  the  Saviour  as  "  Immanuel,  God 
with  us  ;"  Our  Brother,  "  flesh  of  our  flesh,  and  bone  of 
our  bone."  Thus  to  conceive  of  Jesus  is  a  sweet  mys- 
tery, joyfully  known  to  believing  hearts. 


112  MARCH   12. 

The  name  of  Jesus  is  above  every  name  to  us ;  it  is 
"  as  precious  ointment  poured  forth  ;"  it  diffuseth  the 
sweet  odor  of  the  Father's  everlasting  love  issuing  in 
our  eternal  salvation.  In  the  name  of  Jesus  the  whole 
Gospel  lies  hid.  By  his  work  he  saves  us.  Here  is  no 
if,  perhaps,  or  peradventure  j  but  a  positive  declaration 
what  he  absolutely  shall  do.  He  shall  save  his  people 
from  the  curse  of  the  lav/,  by  being  made  a  curse  for 
them  j  from  the  wrath  of  God  due  to  them,  by  suffering 
in  their  stead ;  from  the  punishment  their  sins  deserve, 
by  the  atonement  of  his  precious  blood  ;  from  the  guilt 
of  sin  in  their  conscience,  by  the  sprinkling  of  his  blood 
through  faith ;  from  the  love  and  power  of  sin  in  their 
hearts,  by  his  Spirit,  regenerating  and  renewing  them  in 
the  spirit  of  their  minds.  So  that  they  are  as  perfectly 
saved  in  Jesus  from  all  sin,  as  if  they  had  never  fallen 
into  sin.  And  all  this  by  no  strength  or  desert  of  theirs. 
Here  is  blessed  work  for  faith  to  glory  in! 

Whom  does  Jesus  thus  save  1  "  His  people  :"  all  his 
people,  of  every  kindred,  nation,  tribe,  and  tongue,  even 
all  that  the  Father  hath  given  him.  John,  17  :  9.  Who 
are  partakers  of  this  precious  salvation  1  Every  one 
who  believes  in  Jesus.  It  is  free  for  all  who  wall  come 
to  him.  All  who  do  come,  and  trust  in  him,  find  he  is 
Jesus,  their  salvation.  O  believer,  here  is  the  nature,  the 
name,  the  work  of  thy  precious  Jesus  to  look  to  and 
live  upon  from  day  to  day.  It  is  thy  mercy  that  salva 
tion  is  his  work,  and  he  hath  finished  it.  It  is  thy  com- 
fort to  believe  this  daily.  It  is  thy  duty  to  give  him  all 
the  glory.  The  more  light  thou  receivest  from  the  word 
and  Spirit  of  truth,  so  much  the  more  wilt  thou  see  of 
thine  own  vile,  sinful  nature,  and  abhor  thyself,  even 
until  thou  receivest  the  end  of  thy  faith,  the  salvation  of 
thy  soul.  Then  wilt  thou  eternally  glory  in  ascribing 
all  salvation,  from  first  to  last,  to  God  and  the  Lamb. 
Revelation,  7  :  10. 


MARCH  13.  113 

"  How  sweet  tlie  name  of  Jesus  sounds 

"  In  a  believer's  ear; 
"  It  soothes  his  sorrows,  heals  his  wounds, 

"  And  drives  away  his  fear. 

"  It  makes  the  wounded  spirit  whole, 

"  And  calms  the  troubled  breast ; 
'*  'Tis  manna  to  the  hungry  soul, 

"  And  to  the  weary  rest." 


March  13. — The  ornament  of  a  meek  and  qutet  spirit,  whichis 
in  the  sight  of  God  of  great  price.   1  Pet.  3  : 4. 

Godly  parents  are  delighted  in  their  hearts  if  they  see 
their  dear  children  partakers  of  the  grace  of  God.  How 
joyful  to  hear  those  who  are  part  of  one's  self  inquire 
after  Jesus  and  his  salvation  !  Love  and  duty  unite  to 
constrain  us  to  teach  our  little  ones  the  knowledge  of 
Jesus,  and  to  instruct  them  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord.  And 
if  the  Spirit  of  grace  is  pleased  to  crown  such  endea- 
vors with  success,  infinitely  more  precious  is  the  adorn- 
ing of  grace  to  their  immortal  souls  than  all  the  gayety 
of  dress  to  their  perishing  bodies. 

As  we  over  ours,  so  doth  the  Lord  rejoice  over  all 
his  dear  children  in  Christ.  He  takes  pleasure  in  their 
dress,  which  is  the  glorious  robe  of  his  Son's  righteous- 
ness. Their  ornaments,  which  are  the  graces  of  his 
Spirit,  are  delighting  to  his  eyes.  '^  He  makes  them  all 
glorious  within:"  he  loves  his  own  image,  which  he  hath 
formed  by  his  Spirit,  "  in  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart." 
Both  their  inward  graces  and  their  outward  fruits  are 
an  ornament  to  them  ;  and  are  in  the  sight  of  their  hea- 
venly Father  "  of  great  price." 

By  daily  fellowship  with  our  God  and  Saviour  we 
become  more  and  more  "conformed  to  his  likeness." 
By  close  walking,  constant  communion,  free  conversing 
with  Jesus,  love  is  maintained  in  the  heart ;  and  a  meek 
and  quiet   spirit  ever  accompanies  love.     Where  the 


114  MARCH  14. 

former  is  wanting,  the  declining  of  the  latter  is  evident. 
As  faith  works  bj'-  love,  so  love  shows  itself  by  meekness 
of  spirit  and  quietness  of  behavior. 

There  is  a  sweet  harmony  in  the  graces  of  the  Spirit. 
By  faith  the  soul  abides  in  Jesus  and  receives  out  of  his 
fulness.  By  love  the  heart  is  made  happy.  And  as  Pe- 
ter and  John  said  to  the  beggar,  What  we  have  received 
of  the  Lord,  that  we  give  unto  you ;  so  the  christian 
dispenses  out  of  his  heart  love  to  his  brethren  and  peace 
and  quietness  to  all  mankind.  Love  controls  the  bois- 
terous passions  of  nature.  Love  constrains  to  meekness 
of  temper  and  quietness  of  Spirit.  We  sadly  mistake 
and  are  greatly  deceived  by  our  corrupt  nature,  carnal 
reason,  and  the  subtlety  of  Satan,  when  we  act  with  any 
other  spirit  and  attempt  to  find  an  excuse  for  it.  It  is 
unbecoming  our  character,  a  disgrace  to  our  profession, 
a  dishonor  to  our  Saviour,  it  grieves  the  Spirit,  is  a  badge 
of  Satan's  livery,  a  fruit  of  the  flesh,  and  is  contrary  to 
the  Spirit.  The  wrath  of  man  worketh  not  the  righ- 
teousness of  God,  peace  with  men,  nor  the  comfort  of 
the  soul.  "Put  on,  as  the  elect  of  God,  bowels  of  mer- 
cies, kindness,  humbleness  of  mind,  meekness,  long- 
suffering."  Col.  3  :  12. 


March  14. — Because  in  him  there  is  found  some  good  thing 
towards  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  in  the  house  of  Jeroboam. 
1  Kings,  14  :  13. 

Such  was  the  testimony  which  the  Lord  gave,  bj'^  his 
prophet,  of  young  Abijah,  the  son  of  wicked  Jeroboam. 
The  father  was  branded,  even  to  a  proverb,  for  his  abo- 
minable wickedness.  Behold,  the  son  is  recorded  by  the 
Lord  for  his  goodness ;  singled  out  from  the  whole 
house  of  his  father,  to  be  blessed  of  his  God,  and  come 
to  his  grave  in  peace. 


MARCH  14.  115 

Children  of  grace  often  spring  from  the  loins  of  un- 
godly parents.  The  offspring  of  godly  parents  often 
appear  graceless.  Grace  is  not  hereditary:  it  is  the 
sovereign  gift  of  God.  Parents  may,  and  ought  to  give 
good  instructions,  but  God  only  makes  them  successful. 
''  Some  good  thing  "  would  not  have  been  found  in  young 
Abijah,  if  the  Lord  had  not  wrought  it  there.  It  was  of 
the  will  of  the  Lord,  or  because  the  Lord  was  his  father, 
as  his  name,  Abijah^  signifies.  God's  covenant  children, 
though  by  nature  children  of  wrath,  and  though  in  their 
"flesh  dwells  no  good  thing;"  yet  through  the  grace  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  "  they  are  created  anew  in  Christ  Jesus, 
in  righteousness  and  true  holiness,  unto  good  works ;" 
and  after  the  inward  man,  "  they  delight  in  the  law  of 
God."  "  Some  good  thing "  is  found  in  them,  which 
manifests  itself  in  love,  fear,  and  obedience  to  the  Lord 
their  God.  The  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  hearts 
of  believers,  and  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit  in  their  lives, 
are  evidences  of  God's  covenant  love  to  them,  in  Christ 
Jesus.  God  views  the  work  of  his  new  creation  in  the 
soul  with  delight ;  pronounces  it  good,  and  to  his  own 
glory  records  the  graces  of  his  people.  What  comes 
from  God  leads  to  him,  and  to  his  glory. 

Thus  we  see  "  some  good  thing  "  found  in  the  heart 
of  Abijah,  manifesting  itself  in  the  wicked  house  of 
Jeroboam,  to  the  glory  of  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel. 
O  how  highly  honored  are  some  who  are  brought  to 
devote  themselves  to  God's  glory  and  service  in  the 
morning  of  youth  !  while  the  Sun  of  righteousness  doth 
not  arise  upon  others  till  the  sun  of  nature  is  near 
setting.  Hath  distinguishing  grace  made  us  to  differ, 
as  well  from  our  former  selves  as  from  others  1  It  is  all 
from  the  love  of  the  Father,  through  Jesus  Christ,  by  the 
power  of  the  Spirit.  We  have  nothing  whereof  to  glory 
in  ourselves,  nor  over  others ;  it  is  our  duty  to  confess 
it  with  our  lips,  and  manifest  it  in  our  lives.    May  it 


116  MARCH  15. 

encourage  us  daily  to  walk  in  faith  and  love.    ^'  The  just 
shall  live  by  faith."    Heb.  10  :  38. 


March  15. — Verily  thou  art  a  God  that  hidest  thyself^  O  God 
of  Israel f  the  Saviour.    Isaiah,  14  :  15. 

Mourning  under  a  sense  of  sin,  and  complaining  of 
inbred  corruptions,  are  consistent  with  true  faith  in  Je- 
sus and  real  rejoicing  in  his  salvation.  Sorrowing  under 
the  painful  sense  of  an  absent  God  has  been  the  expe- 
rience of  blessed  saints  in  all  ages  ;  (ew^  i^anj'-,  have  been 
exempt  from  it.  And  this  is  a  sure  evidence  that  they 
have  felt  his  comforting  presence,  enjoyed  the  smiles  of 
his  love,  and  rejoiced  in  the  light  of  his  countenance. 
So  the  life  and  love  of  the  soul  are  manifested.  A  chris- 
tian is  known  by  his  sorrows  as  well  as  his  joys.  He 
sorrows  after  a  godly  sort.  This  the  unregenerate  are 
perfect  strangers  to. 

But  why  should  a  God  of  love  hide  himself  from  his 
own  dear  children  1  We  may  say,  he  is  a  Sovereign,  and 
answer  in  the  words  of  Elihu,  ''  He  giveth  not  account 
of  any  of  his  matters."  Job,  33  :  13.  But  it  is  most  sweet 
to  say  with  David,  "  continually.  Let  the  Lord  be  mag- 
nified, who  hath  pleasure  in  the  prosperity  of  his  ser- 
vants." Psalm  35  :  27.  Therefore  when  God  hides  him- 
self from  the  souls  of  his  believing  children,  it  is  in  wis- 
dom, love,  and  faithfulness  to  them  ;  it  is  to  advance  his 
own  glory  and  heighten  the  prosperity  of  their  souls. 
But  he  never  leaves  himself  without  a  witness  in  their 
hearts.  For  we  see  the  church  addresses  him,  even 
though  he  hideth  himself.  She  sweetly  applies  to  him 
as  Jesus,  the  only  Saviour,  and  utters  her  complaint  be- 
fore him,  ^'  Thou  hidest  thyself,"  and  I  am  troubled.  So 
the  sun,  withdrawing  his  genial  warmth,  makes  vegetable 
nature  droop  and  languish,  and  mourn  in  silent  sadness. 
But  the  root  is  still  alive,  and  it  will,  when  the  sun  re- 


MARCH  16.  117 

turns,  bring"  forth  its  fruit  in  due  season.  Backward 
springs  often  produce  the  most  plentiful  harvest.  So  the 
Lord  teaches  his  sovereignty,  roots  the  soul  in  humility, 
prevents  the  growth  of  spiritual  pride,  reproves  for  a  care- 
less walk,  chides  for  w^orldly-mindedness,  causes  great 
searchings  of  heart,  imbitters  sin,  excites  to  holy  mourn- 
ing, calls  forth  earnest  longings,  restless  seekings,  and 
fervent  praying.  "  Saw  ye  him  whom  my  soul  loveth  1" 
will  be  the  restless  inquiry  of  a  loving,  deserted  heart 
I  cannot  live  without  him :  his  presence  is  heaven,  his 
absence  hell.  Soul,  ever  beware  of  questioning  this  pre- 
cious declaration  of  thy  unchanging  God  of  truth  and 
love :  '^  In  a  little  wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee  for  a 
moment  j  but  with  everlasting  kindness  will  I  have  mer- 
cy on  thee,  saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer."    Isa.  54  :  8. 


March  16. — And  the  counsel  of  peace  shall  he  hetween  them 
both.   Zech.  6  :  13. 

With  what  rapture  and  ecstasy  of  soul  did  good  old 
Israel  hear  of  his  son  Joseph !  Not  only  alive,  but  also 
governor  of  the  land  of  Egypt.  *'  It  is  enough,"  said  he  ; 
as  though  he  could  enjoy  no  more.  How  then  ought 
our  hearts  to  be  filled  with  joy,  and  fired  with  transport, 
to  hear  that  our  Friend  and  Brother,  Jesus,  lives  for 
evermore  5  that  "  the  government  is  upon  his  shoul- 
ders j"  that  he  is  our  King  and  Priest  upon  his  throne  ; 
that  the  counsel  of  peace  is  fixed  and  unalterably  estab- 
lished between  the  Father  and  him,  on  our  account ! 
Surely,  if  we  believe  this  as  verily  as  Jacob  believed 
the  report  of  his  son,  we  shall  also  cry  out,  ''  It  is 
enough,"  perfectly  sufficient.  More  joyful  news  cannot 
be  heard,  more  comfortable  truth  be  believed,  fuller  evi- 
dence be  desired,  or  stronger  proofs  be  given,  than  are 
revealed  of  the  covenant  transactions  of  the  adorable 
Trinity  in  behalf  of  sinners. 


118  MARCH  17. 

Here  is  "  the  Loi-d  of  hosts,"  and  the  "  Man,"  who  is 
called  the  '*  Branch."  And  see  we  not  the  third  Person 
in  the  Divine  Essence  1  For  the  establishing  of  faith,  be 
it  ever  remembered,  though  the  Father  and  the  Son  only 
are  often  mentioned  in  Scripture,  yet  the  Lord,  the 
Spirit,  in  his  office  is  evidently  to  be  seen  and  clearly 
known.  For  whatever  is  covenanted  and  agreed  between 
God  the  Father  and  Son,  is  manifested,  revealed,  and 
enjoyed  in  the  heart  by  the  Spirit.  We  had  never  heard 
of  this  blessed  peace,  had  it  not  been  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
through  the  word  of  truth.  Therefore  "  the  Spirit 
bears  witness,  because  the  Spirit  is  truth."  1  John,  5  :  6. 
Ever  bear  this  in  thy  mind,  disciple.  As  thou  hadst  not 
known  sin  but  by  the  law  ;  so  thou  couldst  have  no 
knowledge  of  peace  but  by  the  Gospel,  through  the 
Spirit.  He  is  the  revealer,  sealer,  and  applier  of  all 
grace,  peace,  love,  and  holiness.  "  The  love  of  the 
Father  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost." 
"He  shall  testify  of  me,"  saith  Jesus  ;  all  my  members 
shall  be  taught  of  him  :  ''  He  shall  glorify  me."  John, 
16  :  14.  Here  is  a  peace  established  between  heaven 
and  earth,  between  the  righteous  Lord  and  sinful  man, 
firm  as  a  rock,  durable  as  the  ages  of  eternity.  God  the 
Father  is  the  Author  of  this  peace.  Jesus  obtained  it  by 
the  blood  of  his  cross.  Rebels  and  traitors  against  God 
are  made  the  subjects  of  it.  The  Spirit  begets  faith, 
and  applies  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, to  the  soul.  And  though  all  in  nature,  sin,  Sa- 
tan, and  the  world  are  at  war  with  us,  still  this  is  our 
glory:  Jesus  ''  is  our  peace."    Eph.  2  :  14. 


March   17. — In  the  multitude  of  my  thoughts  within  mc,  thy 
comforts  delight  my  soul.    Psalm  94 :  19. 

Vain  thoughts  and  carnal  reasonings,  like  impertinent 
visiters,  often  intrude  upon  the  christian's  mind.  In  this 


MARCH  17.  119 

depraved  state  it  cannot  be  otherwise.  Though  born 
again  of  the  Spirit,  and  our  minds  renewed  by  grace, 
still  our  old  friends,  our  present  foes,  the  world,  the  flesh, 
and  the  devil,  will  furnish  us  with  various  exercises  from 
troublesome  thoughts.  That  they  do  cause  grief,  are 
prayed  against,  and  are  resisted,  are  blessed  evidences 
of  a  regenerate  soul,  which  is  also  fed,  delighted,  and 
comforted  with  the  precious  truths  of  God's  gracious 
word.     Is  this  thy  experience  1     then,  praise  thy  Lord. 

There  are  frequent  seasons  when  God's  dear  children 
are  exercised  with  distressing,  gloomy  thoughts.  Afflic- 
tions are  painful  and  grievous  to  the  flesh;  then  how 
naturally  do  murmuring  and  repining  thoughts  arise  '. 
''Are  these  the  tokens  of  God's  love  1  how  can  I,  who 
am  visited  with  sorrow,  pain,  and  trouble,  think  the  Lord 
loves  me  with  the  love  of  a  tender  father,  or  that  I  am 
his  child  1"  The  sight  of  our  vile,  polluted  nature,  sinful 
passions  and  affections,  sinks  and  discourages  us.  A  mul- 
titude of  thoughts  arise  within  :  How  can  I  have  faith  in 
Jesus,  love  to  him,  and  delight  in  his  ways,  while  I  And 
so  much  in  me  contrary  to  his  will  and  unconformed  to 
his  image  1  If  the  Lord  hides  his  face,  then  these  de 
jecting  thoughts  beset  us:  God  is  acting  in  wrath 
against  us,  his  mercy  is  clean  gone  for  ever.  And  with 
the  church  we  complain,  '^  The  Lord  hath  forsaken  me ; 
my  Lord  hath  forgotten  me."    Isa.  49  :  14. 

This  is  all  very  natural.  But  how  speaks  the  voice  of 
grace'?  Most  cheering  to  the  harassed  mind.  ''Many 
are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous,  but  the  Lord  deliver- 
eth  out  of  them  all."  "As  many  as  I  love  I  rebuke  and 
chasten."  Rev.  3  :  19.  "  Can  a  woman  forget  her  suck- 
ing child,  that  she  should  not  have  compassion  on  the 
son  of  her  womb  1  Yea,  she  may  forget,  but  I  will  not 
forget  thee."  Isa.  49  :  15.  Jesus  "  receivcth  sinners.'' 
Luke,  15  :  2.  His  "  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin."  1  John, 
1 : 7.    God's   immutable   love,  unchangeable   covenant, 


120  MARCH  18. 

eternal  truths,  precious  promises,  and  solemn  oath,  all 
stand  engaged  for  the  safety  and  salvation  of  souls  re- 
deemed by  Christ,  who  saith,  He  that  believeth  on  me 
shall  never  perish.  John,  3  :  15.  Shall  all  the  powers 
of  earth  and  hell  make  the  God  of  truth  a  liarl  The 
Bible  is  the  christian's  charter.  Study  that  and  judge 
of  God's  love,  not  by  our  circumstances  or  feelings,  but 
by  his  word  and  promises. 


March  18. — Strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way,  which 
leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  there  he  that  find  it.  Matthew, 
7  :  14. 

So  Jesus  taught.  But  teachers  in  every  age  have 
taught  a  broad  way  and  wide  gate,  and  multitudes  have 
readily  received  their  doctrine.  This  is  an  awful  truth. 
Therefore  Jesus  adds,  "Beware  of  false  prophets."  It 
is  the  sole  prerogative  of  the  King  of  saints  to  open  a 
gate  and  make  a  way  to  his  own  kingdom.  Glory  to 
our  God,  who  in  sovereign  grace  and  everlasting  love 
hath  done  this  :  and  the  Gospel  proclaims,  Welcome  ; 
come  who  will ;  enter  freely,  without  money  and  with- 
out price. 

Jesus  is  the  one  strait  gate  of  God's  Jove,  the  only 
way  of  righteousness.  By  him  we  enter  into  access  with 
God,  stand  perfectly  justified  and  graciously  accepted 
before  him.  Jesus  is  the  narrow  way  :  by  the  blood  of 
his  cross  he  hath  made  peace,  and  atoned  for  the  sins 
of  transgressors  by  his  one  offering.  Hence  it  is  called 
strait  and  narrow,  because  the  only  way  to  life  is  by  one 
Man,  one  righteousness,  one  atonement.  Thus  it  is  a  gate 
of  love,  a  way  of  grace.  Too  strait  a  gate  for  blind  men 
to  see  ;  too  narrow  a  way  for  proud,  self-righteous,  na- 
tural men  to  submit  to  walk  in.  Hence  "  few  there  be 
that  find  it." 

But,  most  awful  to  think  of,  whoever  takes  any  other 


MARCH  19.  121 

way,  or  seeks  to  enter  by  any  other  gate,  goeth  in  the 
broad  road  to  everlasting  destruction.  That  he  is  bold 
and  confident  is  no  proof  that  he  is  right ;  but  a  melan- 
choly sign  that  he  is  blind  and  deceived.  For  "  the  way 
of  a  fool  is  right  in  his  own  eyes."  Prov.  12  :  15. 
"  There  is  a  way  which  seemeth  right  unto  a  man,  but 
the  end  thereof  are  the  ways  of  death."  Prov.  14?  :  12. 
But  whoever  enters  the  kingdom  by  Jesus,  feeds  in  the 
pastures  of  everlasting  grace,  truth,  and  love  ;  drinks  of 
the  river  of  consolation,  and  shall  be  nourished  up  to 
eternal  life.  As  a  person  who  takes  up  his  residence  for 
life  in  a  more  delightful  kingdom  than  that  where  he 
was  born,  and  conforms  to  its  laws  and  customs ;  so  the 
believer  is  conformed  to  the  laws,  speaks  the  language 
of  the  New  Jerusalem,  and  '^  hates  the  garment  spotted 
with  the  flesh." 

Thus  the  Holy  Spirit  leads  the  blind  by  the  way  they 
knew  not,  even  by  Christ,  the  right  way  to  peace,  love, 
holiness,  happiness,  eternal  life,  and  salvation.  Thus,  to 
a  "  little  flock  it  is  the  Father's  good  pleasure  to  give 
the  kingdom."  By  his  word  he  directs  them;  by  his 
Spirit  he  guides  them ;  by  his  love  he  comforts  them ; 
by  afflictions  he  profits  them ;  by  conviction  of  sin  he 
humbles  them  ;  by  the  prospects  of  hope  he  animates 
them.  All  this  is  to  make  them  walk  steadily  in  Christ, 
who  is  "  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life."  John,  14  :  6. 


Maech  19. — Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession  of  our  faith  with- 
out wavering ;   for  he  is  faithful  that  pro)?iised.    Hebrews, 
^^     10  :  23. 

Poor  christian  !  thy  profession  is  envied  by  malicious 
devils;  scorned  and  ridiculed  by  natural  men;  and  is 
contrary  to  thy  own  carnal  reason.  Hence  thou  hast  a 
combined  force,  of  threefold  alliance,  in  arms  againsl 
thee,  striving,  by  all  means,  to  rob  thee  of  thy  hope* 

G 


122  MARCH  19. 

Happy  christian !  who,  like  thy  blessed  Master,  in  the 
face  of  every  adversary,  hast  "  witnessed  a  good  pro- 
fession."  1  Tim.  6  :  13. 

Here  is  a  precious  exhortation,  backed  with  a  most 
animating  assertion.  Attend  to  it.  For  thou  must  ex- 
pect to  be  assaulted  by  the  rage  of  devils,  with  scorn 
and  contempt  from  wicked  men,  and  often  put  to  the 
stand  by  thy  carnal  reasonings.  Here  is  thy  duty : 
"  Hold  fast,"  in  spite  of  all  opposition. 

But,  what  is  the  profession  of  our  faith  1  even  the  re- 
vealed truths  of  God,  which  proclaim  his  grace  and 
glory,  and  our  salvation,  by  his  beloved  Son.  We  can- 
not give  up  one  of  these  without  suffering  loss.  All  of 
them  are  precious  in  our  eyes  and  dear  to  our  hearts; 
and,  therefore,  must  be  held  fast  in  faith.  '^  It  is  written," 
is  sufficient  to  silence  every  carnal  argument,  support 
our  souls  against  every  attack  from  men  and  devils. 
With  this  weapon  thy  blessed  Master  put  Satan  to  flight. 
Thus  defend  thyself  with  this  sword  of  the  Spirit  against 
every  foe.  Thus  daily  "  hold  fast  thy  profession.  He  is 
faithful  that  promised." 

Why  then  should  thy  mind  at  any  time  waver,  be  agi- 
tated, or  tossed  to  and  fro  l  The  foundation  of  God  stand- 
eth  sure.  To  confide  in  the  word,  promises,  and  oath 
of  a  faithful  God,  is  the  glory  of  thy  soul,  and  glorifies 
him.  Is  Jesus  thy  profession!  is  all  thy  hope  in  him,  all 
thy  expectation  from  him,  for  pardon,  righteousness, 
sanctification,  wisdom,  and  eternal  re<iemption  %  Then 
be  careful  for  nothing  but  to  please  him,  fear  nothing 
but  what  may  offend  him.  Look  to  him  only,  and  be  of 
good  courage.  Remember  thy  foes  are  his  conquered 
enemies.  When  they  oppose,  attack,  assault,  it  is  to  try 
thy  faith,  that  thou  mayst  glorify  him  the  more.  Hast 
thou  not  the  Lord's  faithful  word  pledged  for  thy  safety 
and  salvation  1  Hast  thou  found  peace  of  conscience, 
comfort  of  heart,  joy  of  soul  in  Christ  1    Then  cleave 


MARCH  20.  123 

close  to  him,  hold  fast  by  him.  Ever  plead  (not  thy  own, 
but)  his  faithfulness.  Attend  his  sweet  call  from  heaven 
above,  to  all  his  conflicting  members  below  :  "  That 
which  ye  have  already,  hold  fast  till  I  come."  Rev.  2  : 
25.  Ever  remember  thy  Lord's  words,  He,  and  only  he, 
that  endureth  to  the  end,  shall  be  saved.    Matt.  24  :  13. 


Mauch  20. — A  new  heart'  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new 
spirit  will  I  put  icithin  you :  and  I  will  take  away  the 
stony  heart  out  of  your  Jlesh,  and  I  will  give  you  a  heart 
of  flesh.    Ezekiel,  36  :  26. 

What  absolute  declarations  are  here  !  all  display  the 
sovereign  will  and  almighty  favor  of  a  covenant  God.  As 
God's  heart  of  love  is  towards  his  people  in  Christ,  so 
his  Spirit  of  power  works  in  them,  according  to  the 
counsel  of  his  will.  Hence  they  know,  love,  and  serv^e 
him.  By  the  blood  of  Jesus  their  sins  are  pardoned  and 
their  consciences  cleansed  from  guilt.  By  the  Spirit  of 
Jesus  they  are  inwardly  sanctified  from  their  filthiness 
and  idols  j  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit  is  put  within 
them,  and  they  are  enabled  to  walk  in  his  statutes  and 
keep  his  judgments.  Thus  "  all  things  are  of  God, 
who  hath  reconciled  us  unto  himself  by  Jesus  Christ." 
2  Cor.  5  :  17,  18.  ''  If  any  man  be  in  Christ  he  is  a  new 
creature  ;  old  things  are  passed  away  j  behold,  all  things 
are  become  new." 

'^  A  christian  (as  Luther  says)  is  a  new  creature  in  a 
new  world."  He  has  a  new  heart,  is  under  a  new  go- 
vernment, serves  a  new  Master,  obeys  new  laws,  is  ac- 
tuated by  new  fears,  influenced  by  new  love,  animated 
with  new  delights  and  new  joys. 

"  Ah,  (says  a  disciple,)  this  is  sweet  in  theory  and 
true  in  doctrine,  but  in  experience  I  find  and  feel,  to  my 
grief,  an  old  nature  of  sin  and  unbelief,  and  groan  under 
a  body  of  death."    This  also  is  very  true  ;  yea,  it  is  per- 


124  MARCH  21, 

fectly  consistent  with  a  state  of  regeneration.  Saints  of 
God  in  all  ages  have  found  it  so.  The  Lord,  in  this  very- 
text,  accounts  for  it :  ''I  will  take  away  the  stonj^  heart 
out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  a  heart  of  flesh." 
Naturally,  thy  heart  is  hard  as  a  stone.  Thou  couldst 
neither  feel  sin,  mourn  for  sin,  nor  he  humbled  under  a 
sense  of  sin.  But  through  the  blood  of  Jesus,  applied  by 
the  Spirit  in  believing  the  truth,  thou  hast  a  soft,  tender, 
yielding  heart,  a  heart  of  flesh,  susceptible  of  impres- 
sions, looking  to  Jesus  by  faith,  melted  by  love,  and 
mourning  for  sin.  Though  the  king's  daughter,  the 
Lamb's  wife,  is  all  glorious  within,  though  her  clothing 
is  of  wrought  gold^  yet  she  is  unhappily  allied  to  a  base^ 
wretched,  churlish  Nabal.  Hence,  though  "  thou  hast 
no  confidence  in  the  flesh,  and  in  it  dwells  no  good 
thing  j"  yet  thou  dost  delight  in  the  law  of  God  after  the 
inward  man;  and  hast  continual  cause  of  rejoicing  (not 
in  thyself,  but)  in  Christ  Jesus.    Phil.  3  :  3. 


March  21. — But  I  say  unto  you^  Love  your  enemies^  bless  them 
that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for 
them  that  despitefuUy  use  you,  and  persecute  you.  Matthew, 
5  :  44. 

Love  is  the  very  badge  and  characteristic  of  a  dis- 
ciple of  Jesus.  Love-  is  of  God.  All  tempers  and  pas- 
sions Avhich  are  contrary  to  love  ''  are  earthlj'-,  sen- 
sual, and  devilish."  Let  no  disciple  say,  This  is  a  hard 
saying,  who  can  hear  it  %  Nay,  it  is  the  command  of  thy 
loving  Saviour ;  he  practised  it,  he  has  left  thee  an  ex- 
ample. To  this  end  thou  art  born  from  above  of  the 
Spirit  of  love ;  and  possessed  with  that  "  faith  which 
worketh  by  love."  Therefore,  though  hard  and  impos- 
sible it  may  seem  to  carnal  reason  and  to  flesh  and 
blood,  yet  we  are  under  the  indispensable  obligation  to 
follow  the  steps  and  obey  the  commands  of  that  Jesus 


MAUCH  21.  125 

who  loved  us,  and  died  for  us,  though  his  enemies.  He 
hath  blessed  us,  prays  for  us,  and  does  good  unto  us, 
though  we  have  rebellious  natures,  which  are  at  enmity 
and  hatred  against  him.  Never,  never,  till  thine  enemy's 
hatred  and  variance  against  thee  exceed  thine  to  thy 
Lord,  art  thou  at  liberty  to  dispense  with  this  command. 
It  is  for  the  health  and  profit  of  thy  soul.  In  keeping 
this  command  of  love,  verily  there  is  a  great  reward 
of  inward  peace  and  consolation  from  the  God  of  love* 
So  shalt  thou  enjoy  the  witness  of  his  Spirit,  of  thin« 
adoption. 

Tell  thy  Lord  of  thine  enemies,  and  pray  for  them  by 
name.  Behold  the  blessed  effects  of  love  upon  the  heart 
of  a  mest  bitter  and  implacable  foe  in  1  Sam.  24.  See 
how  David,  the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  acts ;  how 
his  faith  works  by  love.  When  his  persecuting  foe,  Saul, 
was  delivered  into  his  hand,  love  would  not  suffer  David 
to  do  him  any  hurt.  Yea,  love  smote  his  heart  for  only 
cutting  off  the  skirts  of  his  robe.  Hear  the  pathetic  cry 
of  the  bloody-minded  Saul ;  struck  with  astonishment 
and  melted  by  love,  *^  Is  this  thy  voice,"  such  thy  con- 
duet  to  me,  "  my  son  David ;  and  he  wept.  Thou  art 
more  righteous  than  I ;  thou  hast  rewarded  me  good  for 
evil :  the  Lord  reward  thee  for  it."  Admire  and  imitate^ 
Love  is  the  weapon  of  our  spiritual  warfare  ;  by  it  thou 
art  sure  to  prevail  against  and  conquer  every  enemy^ 
Therefore  ''  if  he  hunger,  feed  him ;  if  he  thirst,  give 
him  drink ;  for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire 
upon  his  head."  Thus  strive  to  burn  up  his  wrath  and 
melt  him  into  affection.  But  suppose  it  hath  not  this 
effect  upon  him  :  it  shall  turn  to  the  peace  and  comfort 
of  thy  own  soul.  Thou  shalt  enjoy  that  peace  and  love 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.    "  Walk  in  love."  Ephes.  5  :  2, 


126  MARCH  22. 

March  22. — Let  us  therefore  fear,  lest  a  promise  being  left  us 

of  entering  into  his  rest,  any  of  you  should  seem  to  come  short 

of  it.  Hebrews,  4:1. 

Fear,  without  faith,  enslaves  the  soul  to  wrath  and 
bondage.  Faith,  without  fear,  tends  to  licentiousness. 
But  a  loving,  filial  fear  of  offending  our  heavenly  Father 
and  precious  Saviour,  ever  accompanies  the  grace  of 
faith  in  the  heart. 

Jesus  is  the  rest  of  his  people.  This  rest  is  by  pro- 
mise 5  and  therefore  it  is  sure  to  all  his  spiritual  seed. 
They  now  enter  into  it  and  enjoy  it  by  faith.  But  from 
awful  instances  of  others  falling  away  from  the  hope  of 
Jesus,  the  apostles  ever  exercised  a  fear  and  godly  jea- 
lousy over  their  beloved  converts,  le&t  any  of  them 
should  even  but  seem  to  come  short  through  unbelief. 
The  Lord  only  knoweth  who  are  his  elect  according  to 
his  covenant  of  grace.  This  did  not  lie  open  to  the 
eyes  even  of  his  chosen  apostles.  It  could  only  be  made 
manifest  by  faith  and  its  fruits.  Hence  they  were  con- 
tinually exhorting  disciples  to  give  all  diligence  to  make 
their  calling  and  election  sure ;  to  work  out  their  own 
salvation  with  fear  and  trembling  ;  not  with  a  suspicious 
fear  of  the  love  and  faithfulness  of  a  covenant  God,  but 
nothing  doubting  the  finished  work  of  Jesus'  salvation, 
or  the  safety  and  security  of  every  believer  in  him. 
These  are  truths  of  the  greatest  certainty,  and  are  to  be 
held  with  the  strongest  confidence.  But  the  apostles 
would  have  them  fear  lest  their  own  souls  should  at 
any  time  be  captivated  by  the  devices  of  Satan,  enslav- 
ed by  the  snares  of  the  world,  allured  by  the  lusts  of 
the  flesh  and  the  pleasures  of  sense,  and  so  kept  from 
Jesus  by  the  workings  of  unbelief,  that  their  conduct 
should  give  sad  evidence  of  their  state :  lest  it  should 
seem  that  they  sought  other  lovers  than  Jesus,  other 
rest  than  in  him,  other  hope  and  other  comforts  besides 
those  which  the  Gospel  affords. 


r 


MARCH  23.  127 

So  the  apostles  were  excited  to  a  godly  fear  over  their 
professing  brethren.  Blessed  also  art  thou,  disciple, 
who  thus  fearest  continually.  By  this  evangelical  fear 
verily  thou  shalt  be  kept  from  departing  from  the  Lord. 
Count  not  this  fear  legal,  as  though  it  tended  to  bond- 
age ;  nay,  but  as  a  fru^k  of  thy  Father's  love,  a  grace  of 
the  gospel-covenant :  it  is  essential  to  the  health  of  thy 
soul,  as*  faith  is  to  thy  being  a  disciple  of  Jesus.  "  Be 
thou  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long."  If,  at 
any  time,  this  fear  be  cast  off,  thou  art  that  moment  in 
danger  of  falling.  But  "  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong 
confidence ;  and  his  children  shall  have  a  place  of  re- 
fuge."   Prov.  U  :  26. 


March  23. — I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless.  John,  14  :  IS. 

We  are  born  into  this  world  crying,  live  in  it  com- 
plaining, and  go  out  of  it  sorrowing,  as  for  any  comfort 
it  can  yield  us.  Says  Cardinal  Wolsey  when  cast  off 
by  his  king,  *'  Had  I  served  my  God  as  faithfully  as  I 
have  my  prince,  he  would  not  have  deserted  me  thus." 
The  more  we  see  of  this  world,  the  more  we  know  of 
its  folly  and  vanity.  The  more  we  enjoy  of  its  smiles 
and  friendship,  so  much  the  more  sorrow  and  reluctance 
is  there  in  leaving  it.  But  with  our  heavenly  Friend  it 
is  quite  otherwise.  '^  He  never  leaves  nor  forsakes  : 
whom  he  loves,  he  loves  unto  the  end."  Nor  will  he 
ever  leave  us  in  a  comfortless  state  of  sorrow  and 
dejection,  like  poor  orphans  cast  upon  a  wide  world  of 
wo,  without  any  loving  heart  to  pity,  or  kind  hand  to 
relieve  them.  For,  when  all  other  comforts  forsake  us, 
still  Jesus  abides  by  us.  His  Spirit  comforts  us,  by 
^  sh43\ving  what  he  is  to  us,  has  done,  is  doing,  and  Will 
do  for  us.  The  apostles  had  full  experience  of  their 
gracious  Lord's  promise.  "  He  comforteth  us  in  all  our 
tribulations."  2  Cor.  1  ;  4^.   "  In  me  ye  shall  have  peace," 


128  MARCH  24.. 

But  why  doth  he  assure  us,  ''  In  the  woa'ld  ye  shall 
have  tribulation  1"  John,  16  :  33.  Truly,  he  loves  us  too 
well  to  suffer  us  to  take  up  our  rest  in  it.  If,  with  Paul 
at  Ephesus,  "after  the  manner  of  men"  we  fight  with 
beasts,  (1  Cor.  15  :  32  j)  all  this  is  to  render  the  world 
more  inhospitable,  to  make  us  loathe  the  husks  of  it, 
that  we  may  feed  more  upon  Christ,  the  bread  of  life. 

Why  is  sin  suffered  to  dwell  in  us,  make  us  groan,  and 
distress  us  %  To  make  it  more  hateful  to  us,  to  put  us 
out  of  conceit  with  ourselves  and  our  own  righteous- 
ness, and  to  endear  Christ's  atonement  and  righteousness 
to  our  souls,  that  all  our  comfort  should  spring  from  him. 

Why  is  Satan  suffered  to  harass  and  perplex  us  1  That, 
as  Christ's  sheep,  we  may  keep  close  to  our  Shepherd; 
or  as  frighted  children  keep  near  their  father's  protec- 
tion and  within  the  bounds  of  his  habitation,  so  we  may 
find  the  comfort  of  living  near  our  Saviour. 

Have  we  a  weak,  disordered  bodyl  Here  is  our  com- 
fort, "  We  faint  not,  for  though  our  outward  man  perish, 
yet  the  inward  man  is  renewed  day  by  day."  2  Cor.  4  :  16. 
Thus  our  Lord  comforts  us  by  faith,  and  causes  us  to 
rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God ;  and  to  glory  in 
tribulation,  "  knowing  that  tribulation  worketh  patience, 
patience  experience,  experience  hope,  and  hope  maketh 
not  ashamed,  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in 
our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost."  Rom.  5  :  3-5. 


March   24. — Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmities, 
Romans,  8 :  26. 

How  reviving  to  the  soul,  how  encouraging  to  the 
mind  of  a  disciple,  to  hear  the  experience  of  his  brethren 
and  companions  in  the  faith  of  Jesus !  To  this  end  the 
blessed  Spirit  hath  caused  the  saints  of  old  to  leave  on 
record  his  dealings  of  love  with  their  souls.  Thus  is 
the  word  of  God  most  valuable  for  our  instruction,  edi- 


MARCH  24.  '  1^ 

Scation,  and  comfort.  Let  no  follower  of  the  Lamb 
think  he  is  singular  in  feeling  an  insupportable  pressure 
of  infirmities.  No  j  the  children  of  God  in  all  ages 
knew  and  felt  the  same.  Whether  prophets  or  apostles, 
none  were  perfectly  free  from  inward  distresses,  tempta- 
tions, fears,  dejections,  &c.  all  which  arise  from  our 
still  possessing  a  fallen  nature.  They  are  our  burdens. 
We  cannot  but  feel  them,  and  groan  under  them.  O  sad 
and  dreadful  fall  which  has  so  terribly  maimed  and 
bruised  the  royal  offspring  of  God  !  Our  infirmities  daily 
preach  to  us  our  fall.  Shortly  we  shall  be  perfectly  freed 
from  all.     This  is  our  glorious  hope. 

But,  alas!  how  oft  do  present  distress  deject  us,  in- 
firmities bow  down  our  soul,  faith  grow  languid,  love 
decline,  hope  seem  at  the  last  gasp,  just  as  if  giving  up 
the  ghost !  And  indeed  all  would  end  in  dejection  and 
despair,  if  the  Lord  was  entirely  to  forsake  his  new 
creation.  But  that  never  can  be  while  the  Father  loves, 
the  Lamb  pleads,  and  the  Spirit  hath  power  to  help. 
Therefore  when  the  Spirit  sees  the  souls  of  his  charge 
pressed  above  measure  in  themselves,  and  ready  to  sink 
under  their  burdens,  he  reaches  forth  a  tender  hand  of 
assistance,  helps  against  infirmities  by  enabling  the  soul 
to  look  to  the  adorable  Jesus,  to  an  everlasting  covenant, 
to  precious  promises,  to  a  reconciled  God,  and  puts  this 
sweet  cry  in  the  heart,  Abba,  Father.  Then  confidence 
i^vives,  hope  springs  afresh,  love  is  excited,  the  power 
of  prayer  breaks  forth  in  the  heart  and  ascends  in  sweet 
fervor  from  the  soul.  Whatever  flesh  and  blood  may 
allege  to  the  contrary,  infirmities  are  made  profitable  to 
the  soul ;  or  St.  Paul  never  would  have  declared,  "  Most 
gladly  therefore  will  I  glory  in  my  infirmities."  Why  1 
is  there  any  good  in  them  for  which  they  should  be  de- 
sired 1  No;  but  'Uhat  the  power  of  Christ  may  rest 
upon  us."  2  Cor.  12  :  9.  ''  Grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit," 
Ephesians,  4  :  30, 

6* 


130  MARCH  25. 

"Eternal  Spirit!  we  confess 
"  And  sing  the  wonders  of  thy  grace ; 
"  Thy  power  conveys  our  blessings  down 
"From  God  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

"Enlightened  by  thy  heavenly  ray, 
"  Our  shades  and  darkness  turn  to  day  : 
"  Thine  inward  teachings  make  us  know 
"  Our  danger  and  our  refuge  too." 


March  25. — But  this  man,  after  he  had  offered  one  sacrifice 
for  sins,  for  ever  sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 
Hebrews,  10  :  12. 

The  cross  of  Christ  is  the  christian's  glory ;  but  the 
small  share  that  Jesus  hath  in  his  affections  is  his  shame. 
Disciples  do  not  love  their  Saviour  as  they  ought.  They 
are  slow  of  heart  to  believe  his  love  to  them  and  his 
sufferings  for  them.  How  little  are  our  hearts  in  medi- 
tation upon  the  labors  of  love,  toils  of  sorrow,  and  ago 
nies  of  soul  which  Christ  in  our  nature  sustained  for  us! 

If  a  friendly  arm  is  reached  forth  and  snatches  a  mor- 
tal from  the  jaws  of  approaching  death,  how  does  it  caL 
forth  love  to  his  kind  deliverer !  when  he  reflects  on  his 
danger,  how  does  it  excite  his  gratitude !  he  cannot 
think  of  his  preserver  but  he  remembers  his  mercy.  But 
where  is  our  warm  affection,  our  fervent  love  to  that 
precious  Redeemer  whose  heart  was  a  flame  of  love  to 
us,  and  who  willingly  offered  himself  as  a  sacrifice  for 
our  sins  \  How  was  he  straitened  till  this  baptism  was 
accomplished  !  how  did  his  soul  long  till  it  was  finished! 

Alas !  we  think  too  little  of  our  danger.  We  are  too 
prone  to  look  on  sin  as  of  small  moment,  because  the 
sacrifice  of  Jesus  is  not  constantly  upon  our  hearts. 
Disciple,  dost  thou  not  see  cause  of  mourning  for  this, 
and  to  pray  daily  for  more  heart-affecting  views  of  Je- 
sus by  the  Spirit  I   0  the  infinite  value  of  this  one  sacri- 


MARCH  26-  131 

fice  !  Sin,  how  malignant  its  nature  !  how  (Jfeep  its  stain ! 
nothing  but  blood  Divine  could  atone  for  it.  How  pre- 
valent this  one  sacrifice !  it  hath  for  ever  put  away  all 
our  sins. 

Behold  the  Man !  gaze,  wonder,  adore,  and  love  Je- 
sus on  the  cross  fully  atoning  for  sin.  This  work  being 
for  ever  done,  behold  this  same  Man  for  ever  set  down 
on  the  right  hand  of  God.  There  he  pleads  the  sinner's 
cause  and  presents  the  perfection  of  his  sacrifice.  What 
singular  consolation  this  !  A  sense  of  sin  is  distressing 
to  the  converted  soul.  But  0,  when  this  one  sacrifice, 
by  this  one  Man,  is  beheld  by  the  eye  of  faith,  how  does 
it  revive  the  drooping  h^art,  give  peace  to  the  troubled 
conscience,  and  excite  joy  in  the  sorrowful  mind !  Poor 
sinners  have  nothing  else  to  look  to  for  hope.  Pardon 
and  peace  can  be  had  from  no  other  object.  Of  this  we 
can  never  glory  too  much :  nor  can  our  confidence  be 
too  strong,  our  expectations  too  great,  our  triumphs  in 
Jesus  over  sin,  Satan,  the  law,  and  death,  at  any  time  un- 
seasonable. These  precious  truths  are  our  never-fail- 
ing springs  of  consolation.  If  we  "  sin,  we  have  an  Ad- 
vocate with  the  Father."  1  John,  2  :  1.  His  blood 
"  cleanseth  from  all  sin."    1  John,  1  :  7. 


:67. 

This  is  the  voice  of  our  Beloved  and  our  Friend  to  his 
disciples.  Our  Captain  keeps  no  pressed  men  in  his 
service.  All  his  subjects  enter  as  volunteers.  They  are 
made  willing  to  come  to,  believe  on,  and  follow  him  in 
the  day  of  his  power.  Force  and  compulsion  act  not 
on  their  ingenuous  minds.  But  what  they  see  in  Jesus 
noAv,  what  they  expect  from  him  hereafter,  endears  him 
to  their  souls. 

But  daily  observation  furnishes  instances  of  many 
who  profess  to  own  Christ  and  follow  him  for  a  season, 


132  MARCH  26. 

but  anon,  through  not  understanding  his  doctrine,  not 
seeing  their  own  wretchedness,  and  not  knowing  his 
love,  they  are  offended  and  forsake  Christ,  his  truths  and 
ways.  They  go  back  again  to  the  world,  the  enjoyment 
of  its  pleasures,  and  seek  to  those  who  cry.  Peace, 
peace  !  Thus  they  make  shipwreck  of  faith  and  a  good 
conscience  which  they  professed  to  have.  They  forsake 
their  own  mercies  by  going  away  from  Christ,  and  are 
left  to  perish  without  hope  or  remedy. 

But  all  who  know  Jesus  in  spirit  and  truth,  he  keeps 
from  such  folly.  The  sight  of  others  falling  off  and  leav- 
ing him  is  made  of  blessed  use  to  them.  It  excites  hu- 
mility and  gratitude,  quickens  holy  jealousy  and  godly 
watchfulness.  Such  a  tender  expostulation,  ''Wilt  thou 
also  go  away  V  kindles  a  spark  of  fire,  and  blows  up  a 
flame  of  love  in  the  sinner's  heart.  As  when  a  tender  pa- 
rent says  to  his  dear  child.  Wilt  thou  go  away  and  leave 
me  ?  How  does  it  draw  forth  its  affections,  while  it  with 
eager  embraces  clings  the  faster  to  its  parent.  By  this 
question  our  dear  Saviour  has  often  roused  my  sluggish 
heart,  called  forth  a  holy  fear,  and  excited  an  earnest  cry, 
"Lord,  keep  me.    0  never,  never  let  me  forsake  thee !" 

When  the  aged  Polycarp  was  going  to  seal  the  truth 
with  his  blood,  the  pro-consul  threatened  death  in  va- 
rious ways.  He  answered,  '^  Why  tarriest  thou '?  Bring 
forth  what  thou  wilt  j  we  christians  are  fixed  in  our 
minds  not  to  change  from  good  to  evil."  He  was  pro- 
mised liberty  if  he  would  reproach  Christ.  Full  of  love 
he  replied,  "Eighty-six  years  have  I  served  my  Lord, 
and  he  has  never  done  me  the  least  wrong ;  how  then 
can  I  blaspheme  my  King  and  my  Saviour  V  How  vic- 
torious is  faith !  how  powerful  is  love  !  Lord,  increase 
our  faith !  inflame  our  love  !  "  To  whom  should  we  go  T 
Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.  We  believe  and 
are  sure  that  thou  art  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God." 
John,  6  :  68,  69. 


MARCH  27.  133 

MjiRCH  27. — All  Scrij)ture  is  given  hy  inspiration  of  God,  and 
is  profiiahle  for  doctrine,  for  reproof  for  correction,  for 
instruction  in  righteousness ;  that  the  rnan  of  God  may  he 
perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works.  2  Tim. 
3 :  16,  17. 

The  poor  sinner  who  writes  this,  being  in  a  dangerous 
illness,  was  in  a  very  dark  and  comfortless  frame  of 
mind  for  two  days.  The  third  day  light,  peace,  and  joy 
overspread  his  soul  by  these  words  being  brought  to  his 
mind  :  "  After  two  days  he  will  revive  us  :  in  the  third 
day  he  will  raise  us  up,  and  we  shall  live  in  his  sight." 
On  this  he  called  for  a  Bible.  0  how  was  his  inexpres- 
sible joy  increased  when  he  read  these  words !  Hosea, 
6:2.  On  being  asked  if  he  had  done  with  the  Bible  1 
he  answered  with  a  flood  of  joyful  tears.  No :  never, 
never  shall  I  have  done  with  that  most  blessed  book 
till  I  change  time  for  eternity."  The  Spirit  of  inspira- 
tion ever  honors  his  own  word  of  truth.  All  peace,  com- 
fort, and  joy  are  derived  from  it  through  faith.  We  shall 
suffer  no  loss  if  we  suspend  judgment  on  comforts  till 
we  have  tried  them  by  this  touchstone  of  truth.  Be  on 
your  guard  against  the  flatteries  of  false  peace  and  the 
delusions  of  unscriptural  joys. 

Scripture  truths  are  inspired  of  God ;  they  are  the 
objects  of  faith.  By  the  knowledge  of  them  the  Spirit 
consoles  the  soul,  lovingly  reproves  for  and  corrects 
what  is  amiss,  profitably  instructs  in  the  fundamental 
truths  of  Jesus'  righteousness  unto  justification  of  life, 
and  the  believer's  obedience  unto  righteousness.  No 
one  doctrine  of  God's  word  should  be  slightly  regarded. 
In  this  sense  he  that  rejects  one  point  of  truth  is  guilty 
of  all.  This  is  to  impeach  the  wisdom  of  the  Spirit,  as 
if  he  had  made  known  any  one  needless  or  insignificant 
doctrine.  This,  instead  of  being  doers  of  the  word,  is 
to  iudge  and  condemn  the  word. 


134,  MARCH  28. 

Jesus  is  the  sum  and  substance  of  the  Scriptures.  All 
the  promises  are  in  him.  All  the  doctrines  of  grace 
lead  to  and  centre  in  him.  These  are  the  furniture  of 
faith,  while  Jesus  is  the  chief  object  of  the  soul.  So 
disciples  go  on  to  perfection  in  knowledge,  love,  and 
holiness ;  therefore  we  should  prize  the  Scriptures  as 
our  companion,  consult  it  as  our  familiar  friend,  and 
pray  over  it  as  our  constant  guide.  To  these  ends  all 
Scripture  is  given  of  God.  When  thus  received  by  us, 
we  shall  also,  like  disciples  of  old,  be  "  edified,  and  walk 
m  the  fear  of  the  Lord  and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy 
Ghost."  Acts,  9:31.  Look,  then,  for  all  comfort  from 
belief  of  the  Scriptures,  and  in  Christ  testified  of  in  them. 
For  the  Holy  Ghost  gives  comfort  in  no  other  way. 
He  fills  us  '^  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing." 
Romans,  15  :  13. 

"  Laden  with  guilt  and  full  of  fears, 

"  I  fly  to  thee,  my  Lord ; 
"  And  not  a  glimpse  of  hope  appears  ^ 

"But  in  thy  written  word. 

"  The  volume  of  my  Father's  grace 

"  Does  all  my  grief  assuage  : 
"  Here  I  behold  my  Saviour's  face 

"Almost  in  every  page." 


March  28. — We  have  not  an  High  Priest  who  cannot  he  touched 
with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities ;  but  was  in  all  points 
templed  like  as  we  are^yet  without  sin.  Heb.  4:15. 

"  Without  sin !"  0  that  this  were  my  happy  state, 
cries  the  sanctified  soul.  Verily,  as  sure  as  the  word  of 
'od  is  true,  thou  shalt  soon  enjoy  this  perfect  freedom 
from  thy  worst  enemy.  But  thou  must  be  content  to 
wait  God's  time  and  live  in  his  way,  that  is  by  faith 
upon  thy  best  Friend,  Jesus.  Thy  present  blessedness 
is  to  understand  and  rejoice  in  this  great  mystery,  that 
Christ,  who  knew  no  sin,  was  made  sin  for  us.    There- 


MARCH  28.  135 

fore  by  faith  we  glory,  knowing  that  God  looketh  on  us, 
blesseth  us  as  righteous  in  Christ,  and  doth  not  impute 
sin  unto  us.  As  the  Head  is  without  sin,  so  are  all  the 
members,  as  viewed  by  God.  And  this  is  the  evidence 
that  we  are  born  of  the  Spirit,  and  have  the  mind  of 
Christ,  that  we  hate  all  sin,  long  for  entire  deliverance 
from  it,  and  aspire  after  full  conformity  to  the  image  of 
God.  But  this  we  cannot  enjoy  in  the  body.  We  must 
first  sleep  in  Jesus,  ere  we  awake  after  his  perfect 
likeness.    Press  towards  the  mark. 

In  the  meantime  we  have  a  loving,  sympathizing  High 
Priest  before  the  throne  of  God.  This  is  our  comfort. 
That  very  human  nature  on  which  our  sins  were  laid, 
and  in  which  they  were  all  expiated  on  earth,  is  now 
crowned  with  glory  in  heaven.  This  is  most  refreshing. 
Christ  can  as  soon  forget  his  own  glory  as  any  one  of 
his  suffering  members.  He  feels  for  them.  He  is 
touched  with  the  most  tender  concern  and  affection  to- 
wards them.  "  He  knows  what  sore  temptations  mean, 
for  he  has  felt  the  same." 

Temptations,  even  though  most  violent,  cannot  harm 
us.  Nay,  they  do  not  defile  us,  unless  we  enter  into 
them.  Therefore  they  should  not  deject  us.  And  need 
we  ever  be  overcome  by  them'?  Doth  not  Jesus  live'? 
Have  we  not  free  and  familiar  access  to  him,  as  the  glo 
rified  man,  our  Mediator  1  Is  not  all  power  in  heaven 
and  earth  given  unto  himl  Believest  thou  this,  O  souH. 
Think  on  his  love  at  Calvary.  Remember  his  resurrec- 
tion at  Bethany.  Call  to  mind  his  tender  love  to,  and 
affectionate  care  for  his  sheep,  when  worried  by  Saul. 
He  called,  "Why  persecutest  thou  TTze  ?"  Thou  canst 
not  hurt  them  but  I  feel  it.  He  ever  lives  at  the  right 
hand  of  glory,  to  intercede  for  and  save  us  poor  sinners. 
And  let  thy  distress  be  what  it  may,  his  loving  advice 
suits  it.  "Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble:  I  will 
deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me."    Psalm  50  :  15 


136  MARCH  29. 

March  29, — Now  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hiinself^  and  God,  even 
our  Father,  icho  hath  loved  us,  and  given  us  everlastijig  conso' 
lation  afid  good  hope  through  grace,  comfort  your  hearts,  ayid 
stablish  you  in  every  good  ivord  and  icork.  2  Thess.  2  :  16,  17. 

We  know  "  the  remembrance  of  sin  is  grievous  and 
the  burden  intolerable."  A  sight  and  sense  of  sin  affects 
our  conscience  with  sorrow  and  distress.  Our  hearts 
daily  need  to  be  comforted  and  established  in  every  good 
word  and  work.  But  from  whence  shall  we  derive  thisl 
from  striving  to  forget,  palliate,  or  excuse  our  past  sins  1 
by  promising  to  be  more  steadfast  in  God's  truths  and 
obedience  to  his  will  1  Alas,  he  who  truly  knows  his 
sinful  nature,  who  is  really  acquainted  with  his  own 
weakness  and  insufficiency  to  any  good  and  his  prone- 
ness  to  all  evil,  will  not,  cannot  thus  deceive  his  own 
soul,  but  will  ingenuously  confess  his  sins  to  God  his 
Saviour,  with  all  their  aggravating  circumstances,  mourn 
over  them  with  a  godly  sorrow,  own  his  just  deserts  for 
them,  and  in  faith  look  '*  to  the  Lamb  of  God  who  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world." 

Here  is  our  everlasting  spring  of  consolation,  which 
God  hath  given  us  :  '^  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son 
cleanseth  us  from  all  sin."  Here  is  our  good  hope:  we 
are  completely  righteous,  and  perfectly  accepted  in 
God's  beloved  Son.  Faith  and  hope  are  inseparable. 
We  believe  the  truth  as  in  Jesus ;  we  hope  daily  for 
more  and  more  of  the  consolations  of  it.  In  this  grace, 
disciple  of  Jesus,  never  canst  thou  believe  nor  hope  too 
much.  Nay,  is  it  not  thy  distress  and  heaviness  that  thy 
faith  is  weak,  thy  hope  languid,  and  thy  love  cold  1 
But  why  so  1  Not  for  want  of  a  foundation  for  faith  and 
hope  ;  for  '^  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself,  and  God  our 
Father,  hath  loved  us," — even  us  sinners  of  mankind. 
Such  was  the  character  of  all  those  whom  the  apostle 
includes  in  the  pronoun  us.  And  as  the  consequence 
of  this  love,  "  he  hath  given  us  everlasting  consolation." 


MARCH  30.  137 

Not  the  effect  of  time,  not  subject  to  mutability,  but 
solid,  perpetual,  and  eternal ;  founded  in  the  everlasting 
covenant,  established  in  everlasting  righteousness,  issu- 
ing in  everlasting  salvation,  revealed  in  the  everlasting 
Gospel,  and  applied  by  the  everlasting  Spirit.  Consola- 
tion and  comfort  are  enjoyed  by  stability  in  the  good 
word  of  God,  and  in  the  good  works  of  faith,  "  to  the 
praise  of  the  glory  of  God's  grace."  Eph.  1:6.  "  Be  ye 
followers  of  God,  as  dear  children."  Eph.  5  :  1. 


March  30. — This   is    the    true  God    a7id    eternal    life.     Keep 
yourselves  from  idols.  Amen.    1  John,  5  :  20,  21. 

It  is  a  common  objection,  with  carnal  men,  against 
Christ's  ministers  and  members,  "  You  can  preach  and 
talk  of  nothing  but  Jesus."  Truly,  we  consider  him  as 
the  end  of  all  our  conversation.  Heb.  13:7.  Conscious 
of  what  he  is  to  us,  hath  done  for  us  and  in  us,  verily, 
he  is  all  in  all  to  us.  We  know  that  the  Son  of  God  is 
come  in  our  flesh.  We  are  sure  that  by  the  blood  of 
his  cross  he  hath  made  an  end  of  sin,  finished  trans- 
gression, made  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and,  by  his 
holy  life,  hath  brought  in  an  everlasting  righteousness. 
Daniel,  9  :  24. 

All  this  we  poor  sinners  wanted.  Nothing  short  of 
this  could  save  us.  Yea,  eternal  life  we  have  in  our 
wonderful  Friend,  the  God-man,  Christ  Jesus.  Blessed 
be  his  infinitely  precious  name,  he  hath  given  us  under- 
standing to  know  him.  We  desire  to  be  eternally  in- 
debted to  his  name,  his  grace,  his  love  ;  for  we  see  our 
union  to  him,  and  feel  our  oneness  with  him.  Marvel 
not,  then,  that  we  speak  so  highly  of  our  Beloved  j  for 
if  we  should  hold  our  peace,  the  very  stones  would  cry 
out  against  us.  Say,  ye  first-born  sons  of  light,  say,  ye 
children  of  grace,  of  whom  should  we  glory,  if  not  of 
Jesus  our  ''  true  God,  and  eternal  life  1"     We  disclaim 


138  MARCH  31.  1 

nil  other  gods.  We  ''  know  and  believe  tliat  the  Father 
is  in  him,  and  he  in  the  Father."  John,  10  :  38.  He 
teacheth  the  Father's  love  in  him  to  us,  and  sends  the 
Comforter,  who  proceeds  from  the  Father,  through  him, 
to  shed  his  love  abroad  in  our  hearts. 

But  alas!  how  did  we  live  before  we  knew  Jesus,  the 
only  true  God  1  Truly,  though  we  talked  of  God, 
thought  we  knew,  worshipped,  and  feared  him,  yet  we 
were  all  the  while,  like  the  rest  of  the  whole  world,  "  ly- 
ing in  wickedness,"  fast  asleep  in  the  arms  of  the  wicked 
one,  were  without  Christ,  "  without  God  in  the  world," 
and  consequently  had  no  hope.  Eph.  2  :  12. 

How  deluded  are  the  wise  and  learned  of  this  world 
with  their  notions  and  worship  of — an  unknown  God ! 
while  little  children  are  truly  wise  and  best  learned,  who 
know  Jesus  as  their  Lord  and  their  God,  and  abide  in 
him.  The  truth  of  their  faith,  uprightness  of  their  hearts, 
and  sincerity  of  their  love,  are  best  evidenced  by  keeping 
themselves  from  the  insnaring  vanities  and-  bewitching 
idols  of  time  and  sense.  "Adorning  the  doctrine  of 
God  our  Saviour  in  all  things,  Looking  for  that  blessed 
hope  and  glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God,  even  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  himself  for  us,"  &c. 
Titus,  2  :  10,  13. 

"  Jesus,  my  God,  I  know  his  name, 

"His  name  is  all  my  trust; 
''  Nor  will  he  put  my  soul  to  shame, 

"Nor  let  my  hope  be  lost." 


March  31. — O  wretched  man  that   I  am!   icho   shall  deliver 
me  from  the  body  of  this  death  !  Romans,  7  :  24. 

Spiritual  sense  and  feeling  are  peculiar  to  regenerate 
souls.  While  "  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,"  though 
the  law  thunders  its  dreadful  curses  against  us,  we  hear 
not,    Though  by  nature  children  of  wrath  jind  deserv- 


MARCH  31.  139 

ing  hell,  yet  our  danger  we  see  not.  Though  our  sins 
are  gone  over  our  heads,  and  like  a  sore  burden  are  too 
heavy  for  us  to  bear,  yet  we  feel  them  not.  But  when 
quiakened  we  groan,  being  burdened  with  a  body  of  sin, 
and  pant  after  deliverance.  This  was  the  experience  of 
holy  Paul.    Such  the  experience  of  saints  in  all  ages. 

But,  thank  God,  though  ever  so  deeply  distressed,  and 
greatly  depressed  with  sin,  yet  we  sorrow  not  as  with- 
out hope.  We  are  not  ignorant  of,  but  know  our  de- 
liverer, Jesus  Christ.  None  but  he  is  able.  He  hath, 
he  doth,  he  will  deliver.  He  hath  delivered  from  the 
curse  of  sin  by  his  death.  He  doth  deliver  our  con- 
science from  the  guilt  and  dominion  of  sin  through  faith. 
He  will  deliver  us  perfectly  from  the  being  of  sin,  when 
the  body  is  '^  sown  in  dishonor  to  be  raised  in  glory." 
The  last  enemy,  death,  is  not  yet  destroyed.  None  are 
perfectly  exempt  from  sin  which  brought  death  into  the 
world.  But  present  deliverance  thou  hast,  0  believer, 
and  perfect  deliverance  thou  dost  pant  after  and  long  for. 

Think  not,  that  feeling  a  body  of  sin,  (which,  like  thy 
natural  body,  consists  of  many  parts  and  members,) 
groaning  under  it,  breathing  out  ardent  desires  for  de- 
liverance, inscribing  "wretched  man"  upon  thyself, 
like  a  criminal  compelled  to  carry  a  dead,  putrified  body  ; 
think  not  all  this  inconsistent  with  being  blessed  "  with 
all  spiritual  blessings  in  Christ."  No,  thou  art  not  sin- 
gular. It  was  once  the  lot  of  all  thy  brethren,  now  per- 
fect in  glory.  It  is  the  lot  of  all  thy  companions  in  the 
faith  and  patience  of  Jesus  on  earth. 

When  Paul  in  spiritual  ecstasy  was  caught  up  to  the 
third  heavens,  he  knew  not  whether  he  was  in  the  body 
or  not.  He  might  then  think  he  was  perfect,  entirely 
freed  from  his  burden.  But  a  little  time  convinced  him 
to  the  contrary.  We  find  him  "as  sorrowful,  yet  always 
rejoicing."  2  Cor.  6  :  10. 

Blessed  be  our  compassionate  Saviour  for  his  reviving 


140  APRIL  1. 

cordials  of  consolation.  These  cheer  our  drooping  spi- 
rits under  our  burden.  This  favor  no  kind  hand  admi- 
nistered to  him,  when  sinking  under  the  ponderous  load 
of  our  sins  on  the  cross.  O  the  joy  of  faith!  Though 
sin  is  felt,  grieved  for,  mourned  over,  yet  "there  is 
no  condemnation  to  them  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus." 
Romans,  8  :  1. 


•Ip  ril, 

April  1. — I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.   Phil.  3  :  14. 

By  effectual  vocation  the  soul  is  called  from  a  death 
in  sin  to  a  life  of  righteousness.  By  spiritual  illumina- 
tion the  most  desirable  objects  are  discerned.  The  faith 
of  God's  elect  manifests  itself  to  be  an  operative  grace 
in  the  heart  by  the  conduct  of  the  life.  Blessed  Paul, 
though  such  a  zealous  champion  for  the  sovereign  ope- 
rations of  free  grace,  though  so  averse  to  the  pride  of 
man  and  the  confidence  of  human  righteousness,  both  m 
his  writing  and  preaching,  yet  his  life  and  exhortations 
are  equally  opposite  to  all  licentious  practices  and  un- 
christian sloth.  He  had  a  race  to  run,  a  prize  to  win, 
the  end  of  his  calling  to  attain. 

Thus  it  is  with  all  who  are  partakers  of  like  precious 
faith.  Folding  the  hands,  sitting  down  contented,  rest- 
ing in  ease  and  indolence  may  suffice  when  doctrines- 
are  only  received  as  notions  in  the  head.  Truths  may 
be  assented  to  in  the  judgment,  as  dry  speculations,  so 
as  to  engage  the  tongue,  without  warming  and  influ- 
encing the  heart  and  producing  the  fruits  of  holiness  in 


APRIL  2.  141 

the  life.  But  the  truth  received  in  the  love  of  it  excites 
to  activity. 

Says  the  christian,  ''I  press  forward,"  like  a  racer 
who  considers  the  mark  before  him,  turns  his  back  upon 
the  place  he  set  out  from,  and  is  solicitous  so  to  run 
that  he  may  obtain  the  prize.  Jesus  is  the  christian's 
mark — he  presses  towards  him ;  he  is  solicitous  to  en- 
joy much  of  Christ  below  j  he  longs  for  full  enjoyment 
of  him  above.  This  is  our  glorious  high  calling.  What 
can  be  put  in  competition  with  it  1  the  world  with  all 
its  sinful  customs,  vain  pleasures,  and  carnal  delights  1 
No,  we  forsake  these,  and  leave  them  behind  us.  We 
fear  being  entangled  with  the  objects  of  time  and  sense, 
preferring  Jesus  above  all.  Earthly  things  grow  more 
and  more  mean  and  contemptible  to  us.  The  more  we 
see  our  all  in  Jesus,  and  expect  all  from  him,  so  much 
the  more  we  press  towards  him. 

Hence  means  of  grace  are  prized,  ordinances  attend- 
ed, Christ's  word  is  precious,  the  prize  glorious.  Thou 
man  of  God,  ever  exercise  a  godly  jealousy  of  being 
brought  into  bondage  to  the  world  or  the  flesh.  Re- 
member how  unfaithfully,  how  dishonorably  thou  actest 
when  any  object  engages  thy  attention  and  rivals  thy 
Saviour.    ^'  So  run  that  you  may  obtain."    1  Cor.  9  :  24. 

*'  Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  beauties  be 

"My  soul's  eternal  food; 
"  And  grace  command  my  heart  away 

"From  all  created  good." 


April  2. — The  Spirit  itseJf  heareth   witness  xoith  our  spirit, 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God.   Romans,  8  :  16. 

These  words  dropt  not  from  the  pen  of  a  saint,  in  a 
state  of  sinless  perfection  :  nor  is  this  heavenly  bless- 
ing peculiar  to  Paul  the  apostle,  but  to  Paul,  "  less  than 
the  least  of  all  saints,"  and  chief  of  sinners,  as  he  owned 


14-2  APRIL  2. 

himself  to  be.  It  has  been  enjoyed  by  smners,  through 
faith,  in  all  ages ;  it  is  the  common  privilege  of  all 
christians.  Well  may  we  cry  out  in  astonishment,  "  But 
will  God  in  very  deed  dwell  with  men  on  the  earth  1 
Behold,  heaven  and  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  con- 
tain thee."  2  Chron.  6  :  18.  Amazing  condescension! 
"  Lord,  what  is  sinful,  hell-deserving  man,  that  thou 
shouldst  visit  him"  with  thy  cheering  presence  1 

Delightful  to  think  of!  There  is  a  sweet  relation 
subsisting  between  the  High  and  Lofty  One  and  misera- 
ble sinners.  In  Jesus  they  are  united.  The  fulness  of 
the  Godhead  and  the  misery  and  curse  of  our  nature 
meet  in  him.  From  the  head  Jesus,  the  Spirit  pro- 
ceeds ;  and,  like  the  oil  on  Aaron's  head,  descends  to 
all  the  members.  To  their  spirits  he  bears  witness, 
agreeably  to  the  w-ord  of  their  covenant  relation,  as 
adopted  sons  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ. 

Let  no  believer  be  distressed  or  deluded  by  the  de- 
ceiving of  others,  so  as  to  expect  an  outward  vision, 
manifestation,  or  revelation  that  may  be  seen,  heard,  or 
felt  by  the  outward  senses.  No  ;  the  Spirit  bears  wit- 
ness to  our  spirits^  not  to  our  senses.  Even  as  the  law 
bears  witness  to  the  conscience,  that  we  are  sinners, 
and  works  wTath  there  ;  so  the  blessed  Spirit  bears  Avit- 
ness  to  the  mind,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God  by 
faith  in  Jesus  ;  that  "  he  died  for  our  sins,  and  rose 
again  for  our  justification  j"  that  in  him  we  are  chosen, 
beloved,  accepted,  justified,  pardoned,  and  shall  be  glo- 
rified with  him.  For,  saith  Jesus,  ^'  He  shall  glorify 
me  ]  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and  shall  show  it  unto 
you."  John,  16  :  14-. 

See,  O  believer,  the  riches  of  covenant  grace  !  Ad- 
mire and  adore  the  wonderful  love  of  the  Trinity  !  Hast 
thou  received  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  in  the  word, 
through  faith  !  Happy,  highly  favored  art  thou.  Or 
art  thou   waiting   and  longing   for  the  promise   of  the 


APKIL  3.  143 

Father,  the  joyful  assurance  of  the  Spirit,  that  thou  art 
his  1  Such  a  blessing  is  not  for  any  good  naturally 
found  in  thee  ;  but  because  Jesus  intercedes  before  the 
throne.  Therefore  plead,  in  the  assurance  of  faith,  this 
promise,  '^  Your  heavenly  Father  will  give  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him."  Luke,  11  :  13.  ''Ask  in 
faith,  nothing  doubting."  James,  1  :  6. 


April  3. — For  what  shall  it  profit  a  man^  if  he  shall  gain  the 
whole  worlds  and  lose  his  own  soul  ?  Or  what  shall  a  man  give 
in  exchange  for  his  soul  ? — Mark,  8  :  36,  37. 
Hast  thou  heard  the  voice  of  thy  Beloved  1  art  thou 
a  willing  disciple  of  a  despised  Master  %  But  does  the 
flesh  shrink  from,  murmur,  and  reason  against  taking 
up  the  cross  daily,  "  and  suffering  the  loss  of  all  things  V 
Listen,  0  soul,  to  the  reasonings  of  Wisdom.  Their  dear 
Master  here  teaches  the  followers  of  the  Lamb  such 
reasoning  and  argument,  drawn  from  the  nature  and 
fitness  of  things,  as  will,  in  a  dying  hour,  and  at  the 
judgment-day,  silence  the  tongue  of  every  adversary. 
Ever  use  thy  Master's  weapon.  Reason  daily,  O  chris- 
tian, upon  thy  spiritual  gain,  by  the  knowledge  of  Jesus. 
Study  to  look  with  contempt  upon  thy  trifling,  worldly 
loss.  What  is  all  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  but  folly  % 
the  righteousness  of  the  whole  world,  but  filthy  rags  1 
the  hopes  of  a  fallen  world,  but  miserable  delusion  1  the 
pleasures  of  a  gay  world,  but  vanity  \  the  riches  of  the 
world,  but  deceitfulness  %  the  honors  of  the  world,  but 
an  empty  sound '?  All  these,  though  possessed  and  en- 
joyed, cannot  profit  the   soul. 

Nay  rather,  like  Job's  friends,  they  often  prove  only 
miserable  comforters,  distressing  the  mind,  but  can 
never  bring  comfort  to  the  soul.  Though  often  set  by 
the  enemy  before  our  eyes,  in  the  most  conspicuous  and 
advantageous  light,   as  Satan  tempted  our  Lord,  yet  is 


144  APRIL  4. 

there  any  comparison  between  an  eternal  gain  and  a 
temporal  loss  1  Verily,  one  moment's  communion  with 
Jesus  by  faith,  infinitely  transcends  a  life  of  threescore 
years  and  ten  spent  in  all  the  glory  and  happiness  this 
\vhole  world  can  yield.  O,  this  one  word,  "  Thou  fool, 
this  night  thy  soul  is  required  of  thee,"  is  a  death-stroke 
to  all  worldly  enjoyments. 

What  then  can  be  placed  in  competition  with  an  "  ex 
ceeding  and  an  eternal  w^eight  of  glory  V  How  great  is 
the  worth  of  the  soul !  it  is  immortal.  How  rich  the 
love  of  God  !  it  is  everlasting.  How  transcendent  the 
love  of  Jesus  !  it  passeth  knowledge.  How  amazing  the 
grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost !  it  proceeds  from  both.  It  is 
through  his  power  any  poor  sinner  is  able  to  say : 
''  What  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I  count  loss  for 
Christ.  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my 
Lord — that  I  may  win  Christ  and  be  found  in  him." 
Philippians,  3  :  7-9. 

"  When  I  survey  the  wond'rous  cross 
"  On  Avhich  the  Prince  of  glory  died, 

'*  My  richest  gain  I  count  but  loss, 
"  And  pour  contempt  on  all  beside. 

**  Were  the  whole  realm  of  nature  mine, 
"  That  were  a  present  far  too  small ; 

"  Love  so  amazing,  so  divine, 
"  Demands  my  soul,  my  life,-  my  all." 


April  4. — God  forlid  that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of 

our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  hy  ichom  the  world  is  crucified  unto 

me,  and  I  unto  the  world.    Galatians,  6  :  14. 

Satan  is  very  busy  to  hinder  the  christian's  glorying 

in  Jesus  only.    As  an  adversary  to  the  truth,  he  objects 

by  the  men  of  the  world,  and  it  is  frequently  suggested 

to  the  believer's  mind,  ''Jesus  is  ever,  ever  uppermost 

in  your  heart  and  tongue  j  you  ascribe  no  glory  to  God 


APKIL  4>.  145 

the  Father,  and  to  the  Holy  Spirit."  But  this  is  vain 
and  io-norant.    For  in  our  crucified  Jesus  we  behold  the 

o 

great  love  of  the  Father.  Our  glorying  in  the  cross  of 
Christ  alone,  is  by  the  grace  and  teaching  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  whose  office  it  is  to  testify  of  Jesus  only,  and  of 
salvation  by  none  other.  So  saith  our  Lord,  "  He  shall 
glorify  me  :  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and  shall  show 
it  unto  you."    John,  16  :  M. 

God  forbid  that  all  the  men  upon  earth,  or  devils  in 
hell,  all  the  temptations  of  our  nature,  or  unbelief  of  our 
hearts,  should  corrupt  our  minds  from  the  simplicity  of 
Christ,  or  prevent  our  glorying  in  our  ever  dear,  ever 
lovely  and  Divine  Eedeemer.  He  hung  on  the  accursed 
tree  with  all  our  guilt,  sin,  and  shame  upon  him.  Was  he 
ashamed  to  own  our  vile  characters,  or  love  our  sinful 
persons  X  No.  Shall  we  be  ashamed  to  own  and  confess 
his  innocent  person,  his  glorious  name,  his  gracious 
words,  his  accursed  death,  his  perfect  salvation  %  Sure- 
ly then,  the  very  stones  would  cry  out  against  us. 

"  Whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me  and  my  words, 
in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  generation,  of  him  shall  the 
Son  of  man  be  ashamed  when  he  cometh  in  the  glory  of 
his  Father,  and  his  holy  angels."  Mark,  8  :  38.  To  ex- 
pect salvation  from  no  other,  and  all  salvation  from  this 
man  Jesus,  this  malefactor,  as  the  Jews  accounted  him, 
as  suffering,  dying  on  the  cross,  a  gibbet,  a  gallows  : 
this  is  the  very  essence  of  the  Gospel,  the  glory  of 
God's  grace,  the  wonder  of  angels,  and  the  envy  of  de- 
vils ;  this  the  only  hope  of  a  poor  humbled  sinner,  and 
the  triumph  of  faith.     Is  this  your  glory  1 

Who  can  fully  describe  the  blessedness  of  souls  who 
glory  only  in  Christ '(  As  they  find  and  feel  new  life 
from  his  cross,  they  experience  a  crucifixion  and  death 
to  all  legal  hopes  and  vain  confidence,  in  which  a  self- 
righteous  world  glory.  From  the  cross  of  Jesus  they 
view  the  world,  with  all  its  pomp  and  pleasures,  riches 

S.  Tieasuiy.  rj 


146  APRIL  5. 

and  honor,  glory  and  happiness,  as  accursed,  sentenced, 
and  devoted  to  destruction.  Therefore  as  crucified  per- 
sons, by  the  faith  of  Jesus,  we  die  daily  to  the  world 
"  Christ  is  our  life."     Colossians,  3  :  4. 


April  5. — And  Hazael  said,  But  what  !  is  thy  servant  a  dog, 
that  he  should  do  this  great  thing?    2  Kings,  8:13. 

O  the  treachery  of  the  human  heart !  both  Scripture 
and  experience  prove  this  melancholy  truth,  that  it  is 
"  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  desperately  wicked." 
Who  can  fathom  the  depths  of  its  deceits  1  who  can  un- 
derstand the  mystery  of  iniquity  which  lies  concealed  in 
the  nature  of  sinful  man  %  Alas  !  presumptuous  confi- 
dence that  our  nature  is  not  so  totally  corrupt  and  abo- 
minable, too  often  deceives  and  betrays  even  God's 
children. 

This  wretch  Hazael,  who  had  premeditated  rebellion 
and  murder  in  his  heart,  yet  starts  at  the  prediction  of 
such  crimes  which  as  yet  had  no  real  existence.  Doubt- 
less, he  thought  Elisha  judged  very  hard  of  him.  He 
could  almost  stare  the  prophet  out  of  countenance. 
And,  as  though  he  charged  him  with  degrading  the  dig- 
nity of  his  human  nature,  he  demands  whether  he  look- 
ed on  him  no  better  than  a  fierce,  devouring  dog,  that 
he  should  commit  such  abominable  wickedness  1  His 
very  nature  shuddered  at  the  thought.  But  the  history 
assures  us,  '*  lust  had  conceived,  and  it  brought  forth 
sin,"  which  ended  in  the  murder  of  his  royal  master. 
Hazael  fully  verified  all  the  prophet's  prediction. 

Boast  not  of  thyself,  O  christian  !  Say  not  I  am  a  con- 
verted man,  a  believer  in  Jesus,  not  an  ungodly  wretch 
like  this  Hazael,  therefore  I  shall  not  fall  into  that  and 
the  other  sin.  Be  not  high-minded,  but  fear.  Thou  stand- 
est  not  by  thine  own  strength,  but  by  faith.  This  grace 
ever  leads  out  of  self  to  its  object,  Christ.    Flatter  not 


APRIL  6.  147 

thyself  that  thy  corrupt  nature  is  in  any  wise  better 
than  that  of  any  other.  Know  there  is  no  difference. 
Deceive  not  thyself  with  conceits  of  perfection  in  the 
flesh,  or  with  the  deluded  dream,  that  the  root  of  sin  is 
entirely  destroyed  in  thy  nature.  Ever  remember,  "  in 
the  flesh  dwelleth  no  good  thing ;"  therefore  it  is  and 
ever  will  be  prone  to  do  evil  continually. 

Happy  for  thee  that  thou  art  new-born,  new-created 
in  the  spirit  of  thy  mind.  It  is  thy  privilege  to  live  un- 
der the  influence  of  grace  and  love.  But  still  thy  fallen 
nature  is  ever  the  same  ;  the  old  man  is  still  alive ; 
there  is  the  tinder  of  corruption,  which  may  take  fire 
from  the  devil's  sparks  of  temptation.  What  thou  art 
least  suspecting,  yea,  when  thou  art  most  confident  of 
standing,  thou  mayest  be  in  the  greatest  danger  of  fall- 
ing. What  thou  fearest  not  to-day,  to-morrow  may 
overcome  thee.  Think  not  more  highly  of  thyself  than 
thou  oughtest  to  think.  ''  Be  sober :  watch  unto  prayer." 
"  God  resisteth  the  proud  ;  but  giveth  grace  to  the 
humble."     1  Peter,  5  :  5. 


April  6. — Sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your  hearts  :  and  be  ready 
always  to  give  an  ansiver  to  every  man  that  asketh  you  a  reason 
of  the  hope  that  is  in  you  loith  meekness  and  fear,  1  Peter, 
3:15. 

When  Christ  the  Lord  God  is  the  glory  of  the  soul,  it 
is  the  soul's  glory  to  sanctify  him,  and  him  only.  How 
joyful,  to  have  one's  heart'  detached  from  every  other 
object  and  hope,  and  its  whole  delight  to  glorify  our 
Saviour  !  How  delightful  to  dwell  on  the  wonders  of  his 
love,  the  riches  of  his  grace,  the  greatness  of  his  suffer- 
ings, the  fullness  of  his  redemption,  the  perfection  of  his 
righteousness,  the  prevalence  of  his  intercession,  and 
all  issuing  in  the  eternal  life  of  such  vile,  sinful  wretches 
as  we. 

Verily,  under  such  views,   most  cheerfully  does  the 


148  APRIL  6. 

believer  sanctify  the  Lord,  Immanuel,  in  his  heart. 
Hence,  how  powerfully  is  his  soul  animated  with  holy 
boldness  against  the  fear  of  man  !  yea,  inflamed  with 
love  to  the  truth  I  how  ready  to  give  a  reason  of  his 
hope  !  Perhaps,  through  the  warmth  of  his  zeal  and  the 
heat  of  his  affections,  he  does  not  always  act  wisely 
herein  ;  and  does  what  is  forbidden  by  his  Lord,  ''  cast- 
ing his  pearls  before  swine."  Hence  he  finds,  as  they 
were  ignorant  of  the  worth  of  his  jewels,  they  turn  up- 
on him  with  wrath.  The  apostle  seems  to  guard  against 
this. 

Christian,  thou  art  to  be  always  ready  to  answer,  and 
give  a  reason  of  thy  hope.  But  to  whom  %  Every  man 
that  asks  vjith  meekness  and  fear  ;  meek  to  receive  in- 
struction j  fearing  error  ;  and  desiring  to  know  the  truth, 
as  it  is  in  Jesus.  As  the  christian  has  freely  received, 
so  it  is  his  delight  freely  to  give  to  others.  He  hopes 
the  Lord  may  make  him  the  happy  instrument  of  con- 
viction, conversion,  and  edification  to  others.  Far  is  it 
from  the  nature  of  a  christian  ''  ta  eat  his  morsel 
alone. "^  While  he  imitates  the  meekness  of  the  lamb  in 
his  temper,  the  boldness  of  the  lion  is  to  accompany 
his  concern  for  God's  glory  and  the  cause  of  his  truth. 
Meek  in  speech  ;  but  not  with  timid  fear  to  answer. 

When  God's  truth  is  the  subject,  the  strongest  confi- 
dence and  the  greatest  courage  are  our  glory.  What  is 
thy  hope,  O  christian  1  Is  it  any  other  than  that  "  mys- 
tery "  of  godliness,  "  Christ ,in  you,  the  hope  of  glory  V 
Col.  1 :  27,  Dost  thou  see  such  infinite  charms,  such 
inestimable  glory,  in  that  despised  Jesus  who  was  hang- 
ed upon  a  tree  as  an  accursed  malefactor,  that  he  is  the 
only  hope  of  thy  soul,  the  only  glory  of  thy  heart  1  O 
blessed,  highly  favored  art  thou !  Is  it  not  thy  joy  to 
say,  "  Come,  hear,  all  ye  who  fear  God,  and  I  will  de- 
clare what  he  hath  done  for  my  soul."    Psalm  Q6  :  16. 


APKIL  7.  H9 

April  7. — Noiv  I  know  thou  fearest  God,  seeing  thou  hast  not 
withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son  from  me. — Gen,  22  :  12. 

So  spake  Jesus  to  his  friend  of  old.  What !  did  not 
God  know  that  Abraham  feared  him  before  this  %  Doubt- 
less he  did.  But  now  in  the  exercise  of  faith  and  love 
he  approved  himself  to  God.  He  gave  full  evidence 
that  God's  commandments  are  not  grievous  ;  but  that  it 
was  his  joy  and  delight  to  obey  his  God.  Lord,  give 
what  thou  commandest,  and  command  what  thou  wilt, 
is  the  breathing  of  faith  and  love  !  Thus  was  the  faith 
of  Abraham  justified  by  its  fruits. 

Seest  thou  how  his  faith  wrought  by  his  works  1  And 
by  works  he  gave  full  proof  that  he  possessed  the  faith 
of  God's  elect.  Thus  he  obtained  this  glorious  testi- 
mony to  his  own  soul,  from  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  : 
Now  I  know  that  thou  fearest  God  with  a  loving,  filial 
fear.  Thy  faith  worketh  by  love  ;  it  has  influenced  thy 
heart  t^o  this  eminent  act  of  cheerful,  unreserved  obedi- 
ence to  me.  His  faith  consulted  not  flesh  and  blood,  it 
surmounted  carnal  reason.  The  command  of  the  Lord 
was  the  only  rule  of  his  conduct.  He  both  sacrificed 
and  enjoyed  his  Isaac.  Thus  saith  Jesus  to  every  be- 
liever, "  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I  com- 
mand you."  John,  15  :  14.  The  Spirit  of  God,  by  St. 
James,  styles  him  a  "  vain  man,"  who  thinks  he  has 
faith  without  works.  James,  2  :  20.  For  both  his  soul 
and  his  faith  are  dead. 

It  is  our  wisdom  to  know  that  justification  in  the 
sight  of  God,  through  the  blood  and  righteousness  of 
Jesus,  is  "  perfect  and  entire,  lacking  nothing."  This 
is  received  by  faith  only.  But  this  belief  cannot  exist 
without  its  object,  Jesus;  therefore  cannot  be  alone  in 
the  heart  without  love.  Faith  works  by  love,  and  love 
lives  by  faith.  An  inward  faith  manifests  itself  by  obe- 
dience as  an  outward  evidence.  Thus  the  believer's 
works  are  manifest  that  they  are  wrought  in  God,  and 


150  APRIL  8. 

that  the  soul  walks  in  the  light  of  God's  truth  and  love. 
But,  alas,  how  often  is  it  true,  amongst  professors,  as 
Paul  said  on  another  occasion,  ''  Many  are  weak  and 
sickly  among  you,  and  many  sleep,"  through  intoxicat- 
ing draughts  of  the  love  of  this  world,  and  living  after 
the  flesh.  Such  have  no  inward  testimony  that  they 
please  God.  They  possess  not  joy  and  peace  in  be- 
lieving. They  give  no  outward  evidence  that  they  are 
married  to  the  Lamb  and  live  by  faith  on  him.  Examine 
thy  own  soul,  0  christian,  whether  thou  art  in  the  faith  j 
prove  thy  own  self.  Knowest  thou  not  thy  own  self, 
how  that  Jesus  Christ  is  in  thee,  except  thou  be  a 
reprobate  1  2  Cor.  13  :  5. 


April  8. — Learn  of  me,  foi- lam  meek  and  lowly  in  heai^t;  and 
ye  shall  find  rest  to  your  souls.     Matthew,  11  :  29. 

Thus,  with  tender  affection,  speaks  Jesus  our  Prophet 
to  the  lambs  of  his  flock.  He  well  knows  we  st^nd  in 
need  of  daily  instruction  from  him.  He  teaches  us  in 
the  truth,  as  we  are  able  to  bear  it.  He  knows  the 
weakness  of  our  understandings.  He  is  "  touched  with 
a  feeling  of  our  infirmities."  Therefore,  lest  our  poor 
hearts  should  at  anytime  conceive  thoughts  of  him  con- 
trary to  his  nature  and  office,  he  says,  "  I  am  meek  and 
lowly  in  heart."  You  find  you  are  poor  sinners  ;  igno- 
rant of  many  truths  j  exercised  with  many  conflicts, 
trials,  and  temptations  :  do  not  think  of  me  only  as 
''  the  High  and  Lofty  One,  who  inhabiteth  eternity," 
but  as  dwelling  also  with  humble  hearts.  Look  not  on 
me  as  an  austere  master,  a  terrible  lawgiver,  a  severe 
judge,  Avho  watches  over  you  for  evil,  and  is  ever  ready 
to  take  all  advantages  against  you.  No  :  I  am  your 
condescending,  meek,  and  lowly  Saviour ;  your  loving 
Friend  and  kind  Instructor ;  therefore  come  and  listen 
to  my  words.    "  Learn  of  me." 


APRIL  9.  151 

What  sweet  encouragement  is  this  !  Art  thou,  O  soul, 
tossed  with  temptations  \  harassed  with  corruptions '( 
beset  with  sinful  passions  X  Do  these  bring  disquiet  upon 
thy  mind,  distress  to  thy  conscience,  and  prove  a  wea- 
risome burden  to  thy  spirits,  so  that  thou  dost  not  enjoy 
settled  ease  and  rest.  Remember  thy  Saviour's  lowly 
character  and  kind  advice.  He  hath  an  ear  of  grace 
for  thy  complaints,  a  heart  of  love  to  pity  thee,  a 
powerful  arm  to  relieve  thee.  With  sweet  familiarity 
pour  out  thy  heart  to  him.  As  a  bosom  friend  tell  him 
of  thy  sorrows,  complaints,  and  fears.  Always  bear  in 
mind  his  kind  invitation,  the  loving  meekness  and  low- 
liness of  his  heart,  and  the  blessedness  of  his  promise. 
He  hath  spoken  it,  and  will  he  not  bring  it  to  pass  1  He 
hath  said  it,  and  will  he  not  fulfil  it  1  "  Ye  shall  find  rest 
to  your  souls  ;"  such  sweet  tranquillity  and  inward  com- 
posure as  can  be  found  in  no  object  besides.  Could  the 
children  of  this  world  persuade  us  that  there  is  no  evil 
in  their  vain  diversions  and  carnal  delights  j  still,  we 
know  we  cannot  expect  our  Lord's  presence,  nor  shall 
we  find  rest  to  our  souls  in  all  the  delusive  scenes  of 
earth.  No  j  but  the  more  rest  we  find  to  our  souls  in 
Jesus,  the  more  we  are  delighted  with  him ;  we  become 
dead  to  all  things  that  are  contrary  to  spiritual  peace 
and  joy  from  him.  "  We  who  have  believed  do  enter 
into  rest  j"  and  yet,  we  "  labor  to  enter  into  rest." 
Hebrews,  4:3,  11. 


April  9. — Consider  him  who  endured  such  contradiction  of 
sinners  against  himself ,  lest  ye  le  wearied  and  faint  in  your 
minds.     Hebrews,  12 :  3. 

Come,  christian,  look  up,  look  forward,  and  be  of  good 
courage.  Though  thy  afflictions  are  many,  and  thy 
conflicts  great ;  though  weary  in^  yet  be  not  weary  of 
th^    ways  of  the   Lord.     Verily,   in  due  time  we  shall 


152  APRIL  9. 

reap  an  harvest  of  eternal  felicity,  after  all  our  present 
toil  and  labor.  Faint  not.  Continue  to  the  end.  Per- 
severe in  the  work  of  faith,  labor  of  love,  and  patience 
of  hope.  The  battle  is  the  Lord's.  Thy  foes  are  all 
conquered.  Victory  is  obtained.  The  crown  is  held 
forth  by  thy  conquering  Lord.     Press  on. 

But,  alas!  thou  findest  contradiction  from  every 
quarter  ;  from  within  and  from  without.  Numerous 
foes  rise  up  against  thee.  Thy  strength  is  small.  Thy 
power  weak.  Most  true  !  But  know  thy  calling.  Study 
thy  privileges.  Behold,  thy  Comforter  holds  forth  a 
reviving  cordial  to  thy  drooping  spirits.  "  Lest  thou  be 
weary  and  faint  in  thy  mind,"  consider  Jesus.  Here  is 
faith's  mystery,  the  christian's  triumph  ;  hence  derive 
fresh  life  and  vigor  to  thy  fainting  mind. 

Consider  Jesus,  in  his  Divine  nature  :  thy  covenant 
God  J  in  his  human  nature,  thy  redeeming  Brother  ;  as 
God  and  man  in  one  Christ,  thy  full  salvation,  thy  al- 
mighty Saviour.  Consider  Jesus  in  his  innocent  life, 
enduring  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself  on 
thy  account;  fulfilling  all  righteousness  for  thee;  that 
thou  mightest  be  perfectly  righteous  in  him.  Consider 
Jesus  on  the  Cross,  bearing  thy  sins  amidst  taunts  and 
jeers,  making  atonement  for  thy  transgressions.  Con- 
sider Jesus  entered  into  heaven,  and  appearing  in  the 
presence  of  God  for  us.  Consider  Jesus  infinite  in 
Avisdom  to  know  thy  wants,  infinite  in  love  to  sympa- 
thize with  thee  in  all  thy  sorrows,  infinite  in  power  to 
support  and  strengthen  under  all.  Consider  what  in- 
finite riches  of  grace  he  has  in  glory  to  supply  all  thy 
need.  O  consider  the  fulness  of  grace  that  dwells  in 
him  for  needy  sinners.  Live  upon  his  fulness  day  by 
day,  so  as  to  receive  out  of  his  fulness  grace  for  grace. 

"  Has  the  blood  of  martyrs  proved  the  seed  of  the 
church  V  Confident  we  are,  the  life  and  death,  the  blood 
and  righteousness  of  Jesus  are  the  life  of  our  graces, 


APRIL  10.  153 

the  spring  of  our  comforts,  the  support  of  our  weary 
minds,  and  the  only  reviving  cordials  for  our  fainting 
spirits.  Are  we  panting  sinners  at  his  footstool '?  Con- 
sider Christ  makes  us  joyful  before  his  throne  now. 
Soon  we  shall  be  eternally  happy  in  his  presence.  Imi- 
tate the  father  of  the  faithful.  Be  not  weak  in  faith. 
Consider  not  thy  own  body,  which  is  dead  because  of 
sin.  Know  the  Spirit  is  life,  because  of  the  righteous- 
ness of  Jesus.    Rom.  8  :  10. 


April  10. — And  they  laughed  Mm  to  scorn.     Matt.  9  :  24. 

Wonderful  indeed  is  our  Master  in  patience,  meek- 
ness, love  and  goodness,  under  such  insults.  "When 
Herod  saw  Jesus,  he  was  exceedingly  glad.  He  desired 
to  see  him  of  a  long  season,  for  he  hoped  to  see  some 
miracle  done  by  him."  Miracles  may  satisfy  curiosity. 
They  do  not  of  themselves  convert  the  heart  to  the  truth. 
This  is  plain.  Herod  saw  in  Jesus  a  most  astonishing 
miracle.  Behold,  innocence  itself  arraigned  and  ac- 
cused, death  in  its  most  cursed  and  ignominious  form 
threatened.  Amazing  !  Jesus  stood  mute  :  his  tongue 
locked  up  in  silence.  His  mighty  arm,  which  could 
have  dealt  destruction  at  a  blow,  he  suffered  to  be 
bound  ;  himself  to  be  set  at  nought,  and  in  derision  to 
be  arrayed  in  a  robe  of  mock  royalty.  Herod,  though 
undesigned,  gave  him  a  token  of  his  innocence;  as 
Pilate,  contrary  to  his  intention,  gave  him  a  title,  "  This 
is  the  King  oi  the  Jews."  Though  requested  to  alter  it, 
constrained  to  be  inflexible,  he  replies,  "  What  I  have 
written  I  have  written  ;"   I  will  not  revoke  it.  , 

See  your  calling.  It  is  to  confess  and  follow  a  once 
scorned,  ridiculed  Jesus.  Never  once  dream  of  being 
excused  from  suffering  with  him.  So  surelj?-  as  thou 
dost  "  witness  a  good  profession  "  of  faith  in  Jesus,  and 
conformity  to  him,  thou  also  shalt  not  escape  laughter 


154  APRIL  11. 

and  scorn  from  the  world.  Time  was  when  we  acted 
as  they  do.  Think  of  this  and  be  humble.  Glory  be 
to  Him  who  taught  us  better.  But  what  harm  can  this 
do  us  1  Harm !  it  is  our  greatest  glory  on  earth. 
'^  Such  honor  have  all  his  saints."  An  honor  angels 
share  not  in.  Sinners  only  are  called  thus  to  glorify 
their  Master.  True,  it  is  galling  to  the  flesh.  But 
"  they  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified  the  flesh  with  its 
affections  and  lusts."  By  the  world's  scorn  pride  is 
mortified,  while  the  soul  is  joyful  j  and  the  Spirit  of 
Christ  and  of  glory  rests  upon  us.  The  world  may 
laugh  us  to  scorn,  but  Jesus  smiles  and  approves.  Shall 
we  be  uneasy  at  this'?  No;  our  Master  bids  us  rejoice, 
and  be  exceeding  glad.  Thus,  follow  Christ  and  fear 
not  men.  Formerly,  it  was  a  proverbial  expression  to 
show  an  impossibility,  "  You  may  as  soon  turn  a  chris- 
tian from  Christ  as  do  it."  Steadfastness  here  is  our 
glory.  In  the  things  of  God,  said  Luther,  "  I  yield  to 
none."  As  God's  calling  is  irrevocable,  so'let  our  con- 
fession of  Christ  be.  Strive  to  imitate  him  in  love  and 
patience.  He  has  left  us  an  example,  that  we  should 
follow  his  steps.    1  Peter,  2  :  21. 


April  11. — That  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his  presence. — He  that 
glorieth,  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord.  1  Cor.  1  :  29,  31. 
Humble,  self-abased  souls,  who  drink  deep  into  self- 
knowledge,  whose  eye  of  faith  is  to  Christ,  and  to  what 
he  is  made  of  God  to  them,  are  as  jealous  of  the  pride 
of  the  flesh  as  they  are  of  its  sinfulness.  This  is  a  safe 
state.  Such  have  little  reason  to  murmur  because 
they  do  not  experience  those  high  flights  and  ravishing 
ecstacies  which  appear  to  arise  from  nature  and  sense, 
because  they  lead  to  glory  in  the  righteousness  of  the 
flesh.  Flesh  is  proud,  and  prone  to  glory,  even  in  the 
presence  of  God.     But  faith  in  Jesus  cuts  off  all  glory- 


APRIL  11.  155 

ing  in  the  flesh,  as  viewing  all  salvation  out  of  ourselves 
in  him.  This  is  the  very  essence  of  the  faith  of  God's 
elect.  Yet,  while  in  the  flesh,  we  are  daily  exposed  to 
the  workings  of  pride,  which  darken  the  view  of  Jesus, 
and  tend  to  self-exalting  and  self-glorying.  What  pains 
doth  the  loving  Spirit  take  to  humble  us  !  He  testifies 
of  Jesus.  He  shows  us,  by  line  upon  line  and  precept 
upon  precept,  by  prophets  and  apostles,  that  in  Jesus 
all  his  children  are  ''justified,  and  shall  glory."  Isaiah, 
45  :  25. 

Am  I  made  wise  unto  salvation  1  Glory  to  Jesus.  He 
is  my  wisdom.  Am  I  righteous  in  the  sight  of  God  % 
Glory  to  Jesus.  He  is  my  righteousness  ',  not  obtained 
by  my  works,  but  by  God's  free  gift.  Am  I  sanctified^ 
Glory  to  Jesus.  It  is  through  the  faith  of  him,  by  the 
Spirit,  that  I  have  any  drops  from  the  fountain  of  Jesus^ 
blood  to  wash  away  my  guilt  and  to  cleanse  my  soul. 
Have  I  faith,  and  hope  of  complete  redemption  from  all 
misery  to  all  happiness  1  Glory  to  Jesus.  He  is  my  re- 
demption, he  hath  bought  me,  he  hath  conquered  for 
me.  In  whom  then  should  I  glory,  but  in  Jesus  alone  1 
In  him  all  my  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and 
redemption  centre.  ''  It  pleased  the  Father,  that  in  him 
all  fulness  should  dwell."  It  pleases  the  Spirit  to  bear 
witness  of  and  to  glorify  Jesus  only. 

Shall  we  glory  in  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  as  the  foun- 
dation of  hope  and  the  cause  of  our  acceptance  wdth 
Godi  That  were  to  deceive  ourselves.  The  Holy  Spirit 
produceth  no  fruits  in  us  to  this  end.  This  is  contrary 
to  his  office,  inverts  the  economy  of  the  covenant, 
makes  faith  void,  and  turns  the  eye  of  the  soul  to  some- 
thing within  us,  instead  of  Christ  crucified  for  us.  But 
by  the  Spirit,  we  glory  in  Christ  alone.  By  faith  in 
precious  promises,  we  pray  to  be  filled  with  "  the  fruits 
of  righteousness,  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ."  To  what 
endl    That  we  should  glory  in    the  flesh  because   of 


156  APRIL  12. 

these  1    No,  but  "  to  the   glory  and  praise  of  God." 
Philippians,  1  :  11. 


April  12. — Gideon  said,  Alas,  O  Lord  God  !  for  I  have  seen 
an  angel  of  the  Lord  face  to  face.  The  Lord  said,  Peace  he 
'>'nto  thee  ;  fear  not :  thou  shalt  not  die.     Judges,  6  :  22,  23. 

Jesus  is  ''  the  same  Lord  over  all,  rich  in  mercy  to 
all  who  call  upon  him."  Rom.  10  :  12.  There  is  no  dif- 
ference between  Old  Testament  saints  and  New,  in  re- 
gard to  the  object  of  salvation,  "  Jesus  the  same  yester- 
day, to-day,  and  for  ever."  Poor  Gideon  thought  a 
sight  of  the  Lord  must  surely  be  present  death  j  for 
saith  the  Lord,  "  There  shall  no  man  see  me  and  live." 
Exod.  33  :  20.  But  the  Lord  appeared  to  him,  as  the 
Angel  of  the  covenant,  the  Mediator,  the  Interposer. 
Not  in  terrible  majesty  and  fiery  wrath,  to  strike  him 
dead  j  but  as  the  Saviour,  the  merciful  One.  This  sight 
was  attended  with  life  to  his  soul  and  death  to  his  fears. 
So  Gideon  found  it,  when  he  heard  that  ever-dear  and 
most  precious  word,  Peace. 

This  is  ever  the  word  of  the  Bridegroom  to  his 
church.  His  birth  is  ushered  in  with  "  Peace  on  earth." 
His  dying  legacy  to  his  children  is  peace.  Nothing 
but  love  dwells  in  his  heart.  Nought  but  peace  is 
heard  from  his  lips.  This  was  his  affectionate  saluta- 
tion to  his  beloved,  though  dejected  disciples,  when  he 
first  appeared  to  them  after  his  sufferings  and  death. 
His  tender  heart  well  knew  how  troubled  their  poor 
minds  were.  Therefore,  over  and  over,  he  repeats, 
''  Peace  be  unto  you."    John,  20  :  21. 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  so  it  is  now.  Jesus 
silences  guilty  fears  and  perplexing  doubts  in  disciples' 
hearts.  Wo  is  me,  saith  the  poor  sinner,  I  am  undone, 
I  am  unclean  ;  mine  eyes  have  seen  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
in  the  purity  and  spirituality  of  his  law,  as  a  just  God 


APRIL  13.  157 

and  a  holy,  a  consuming  fire  ;  and  who  Avill  by  no  means 
clear  the  guilty ;  I  shall  die.  Fear  not,  saith  Jesus  to 
every  such  trembling,  repenting,  believing  heart  j  thou 
shalt  not  die,  but  live.  Neither  shalt  thou  want  my 
peace.  Look  unto  me  and  be  saved.  Inwardly  listen 
to  my  word.  Treasure  it  up  in  thine  heart.  Wait  in 
faith,  for  the  sweet  and  still  voice  of  my  Spirit.  I  create 
the  fruit  of  the  lips,  "  Peace,  peace  to  him  that  is  afar 
off,  and  to  him  that  is  near,  and  I  will  heal  them." 
Such  shall  not  only  hear  Christ's  voice,  but  *  feel  his 
power.  Their  fears  shall  be  taken  away,  and  their 
sorrows  removed.  So  shall  their  souls  be  joyful  in  him. 
Thus  Jesus  is  precious  to  them.  He  delivers  ''  them, 
who  through  fear  of  death  were  all  their  life-time  sub- 
ject to  bondage."  Heb.  2  :  15.  "Having  made  peace 
for  us  through  the  blood  of  his  cross."  Col.  1  :  20. 


April  13. — Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee,  Ye  7nust  be  horn 
again.     John,  3  :  7. 

Spiritual  doctrines  ever  appear  foolishness  to  the  judg- 
ment of  worldly  reason.  Marvel  not  to  find  the  wisdom 
of  natural  men  ever  crying  out,  "  How  can  these  things 
be  V  and  explaining  away  their  spiritual  meaning  by 
corrupt  reasonings.  We  are  not  to  expect  a  total  free- 
dom from  our  own  earthly  objections.  The  old  man  is 
yet  alive.  The  kingdom  of  his  residence,  the  flesh,  is 
at  war  against  that  kingdom  into  which  the  soul  is  spi- 
ritually born. 

Many  see  clearly  the  nature  of  the  doctrine  of  a  new 
birth  of  the  soul ;  and  are  convinced  of  the  necessity  of 
it,  in  order  to  see  the  kingdom  of  God ;  but  how  are 
they  straitened,  pained,  and  perplexed  to  know  whether 
it  be  accomplished  in  them  or  not !  And  indeed,  many 
have  so  unscripturally  treated  of  the  new  birth,  as  sadly 
to  puzzle  and  grievously  distress  simple  hearts.    Is  it  not 


158  APRIL   13. 

marvellous  to  find  men  gravely  telling  us  how  many 
steps  a  dead  sinner  must  take  in  order  to  get  into  this 
new  birth  1  The  time  when,  many  are  uncertain  of; 
"for  the  kingdom  of  God  cometh  not  with  observation," 
The  manner  how,  none  can  explain ;  "  for  the  things  of 
God  knoweth  no  man,  but  the  Spirit  of  God."  But  the 
effects  are  visible  and  evident.  As  sense  and  motion  are 
the  properties  of  natural  life,  so,  when  the  soul  is  born 
again  of  the  Spirit,  there  is  a  sight  of  Jesus,  a  hearing 
of  his  vo'ice,  the  affections  going  out  after  him,  believing 
him  to  be  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life. 

Hence  St.  John  lays  down  this  infallible  mark,  "  Who- 
soever believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  is  born  of  God." 
1  John,  5  ;  1.  This  is  a  simple  plain  truth.  Am  I  born 
of  Godl  This  must  be  answered  by  inquiring.  Do  I 
believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  anointed  Son  of  God 
to  the  office  of  a  Saviour  for  lost  and  perishing  sinners  1 
Does  this  truth  enter  into  my  heart  and  mind  1  Is  it  re- 
ceived and  believed  as  a  matter  which  can  only  and 
alone  bring  relief  to  my  guilty  conscience,  peace  to  my 
troubled  mind,  and  hope  to  my  dejected  spirit  1  If  so, 
I  do  believe  in  Jesus  ;  he  is  the  object  of  my  faith,  and 
the  hope  of  my  heart.  I  am  born  again  ;  born  of  God: 
born  to  see,  to  enter  into,  and  enjoy  the  kingdom  of 
God.  The  evidence  of  this  we  get  more  and  more 
strongly  and  clearly  settled  in  our  conscience,  as  faith 
grows  and  increases.  For  its  fruits  will  be  manifest  and 
abound,  in  seeing  the  pollution  of  sin,  feeling  its  burden, 
hating  and  resisting  it ;  striving  to  maintain  a  holy  fel- 
lowship with  God  the  Father,  and  his  Son  Jesus,  through 
.he  Spirit.   1  John,  1 :  7. 

"  Who  can  describe  the  joys  that  rise^ 
"  Through  all  the  courts  of  paradise, 
"  To  see  a  prodigal  return, 
''  To  see  an  heir  of  glory  bornV*  , 


APRIL  14.  159 

April  14. — The  flesh  lusteth  agaiiist  the  Spirit.     Gal.  5:17. 

Christian  experience  fully  proves  this  apostolic  truth. 
Hence  the  children  of  God  cannot  do  the  things  that 
they  would.  Nor  have  we  any  authority  from  God's 
word  to  conclude  that  this  strife  ever  ceases,  in  any  of 
the  saints,  till  they  get  to  glory  ;  none  are  delivered 
from  it  while  in  the  flesh.  For,  as  the  renewed  soul,  or 
spirit,  loves  to  enjoy  spiritual  and  heavenly  objects,  so 
the  flesh,  or  unrenewed  part,  desires  those  objects  it  is 
naturally  conversant  with,  and  from  which  it  derives  its 
happiness.  Here  is  thy  conflict,  O  christian.  Hence 
the  necessity  of  thy  Lord's  command.  Watch  always. 
This  is  the  use  of  the  doctrine. 

What  woful  effects  have  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the 
flesh  produced  in  eminent  saints !  Thou  standest  by 
faith  j  be  not  high-minded,  but  fear.  "  When  lust  hath 
conceived,  it  bringeth  forth  sin.  James,  1 :  15.  The  com- 
mission of  sin  contracts  fresh  guilt.  This  is  the  malady 
of  the  soul.  Hence  the  many  symptoms  attendant  on 
guilt :  terrors  of  conscience,  accusations  from  the  law, 
triumphs  of  Satan,  dejection  of  soul,  distance  from  God, 
backwardness  to  duty,  coolness  of  aflection  to  Jesus, 
neglect  of  the  throne  of  grace.  When  poor  souls  have 
fallen,  and  are  sensible  of  it,  they  feel  the  hurt  they  have 
received.  Their  hearts  know  the  bitterness  of  it.  Awful 
effects  of  fresh-contracted  guilt  !  how  much  to  be  de- 
plored !  how  carefully  must  we  watch  against  it,  how 
fervently  pray  to  be  kept  from  it. 

But,  whilst  there  is  ''a  fountain  opened  for  sin  and 
uncleanness,"  whilst  Christ's  ''  blood  cleanseth  from  all 
sin,"  whilst  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel  proclaim  sal- 
vation by  grace  for  the  chief  of  sinners,  there  is  no 
ground  for  indulging  despair  to  any  child  of  the  God  of 
love.  Here  is  all  encouragement — to  what  %  To  love 
living  at  a  distance  from  Jesus,  and  in  sin,  because  grace 
abounds  1     No  godly  soul  can  do  this  j  for  '^  the  Spirit 


160  APRIL  15. 

also  lusteth  against  the  flesh,"  and  renews  again  to  re- 
pentance. 

Thus  Luther  says,  "  The  more  godly  a  man  is,  the 
more  doth  he  feel  this  battle  between  the  flesh  and  the 
spirit.  Hereof  cometh  those  lamentable  complaints  in 
the  Psalms  and  other  scriptures.  It  profiteth  us  very 
much  to  feel,  sometimes,  the  wickedness  of  our  nature 
and  corruption  of  the  flesh,  that  we  may  be  waked  and 
stirred  up  to  call  upon  Christ.  So  a  christian  is  made 
to  see  Jesus  a  wonderful  Creator,  who  out  of  heaviness 
can  make  joy ;  of  terror,  comfort ;  of  sin,  righteous- 
ness ;  and  of  death,  life.  This  is  our  ground  and  anchor- 
hold,  that  Christ  is  our  only  and  perfect  righteousness." 


April  15. — Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit :  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  Matt.  5:3. 
In  the  day  of  the  Spirit's  power,  the  lofty  looks  of 
man  are  humbled,  the  haughtiness  of  man  is  bowed 
down,  and  the  Lord  alone  is  exalted.  Isa.  2:11.  Then 
a  man's  own  righteousness,  wherein  he  trusted,  is  seen 
as  filthy  rags.  His  strength,  of  which  he  boasted,  is 
found  to  be  perfect  weakness  :  his  heart,  in  which  he 
gloried  as  good,  he  knows  is  deceitful  and  desperately 
wicked.  Then  he  becomes,  in  his  own  eyes,  a  poor 
sinner.  He  knows  his  poverty.  He  feels  his  wretched- 
ness. Thus,  when  Jesus  alone  is  exalted  in  his  sight, 
he  becomes  little  and  vile  in  his  own  eyes ;  then  he  is 
poor  in  spirit,  a  mere  beggar,  who  must  be  wholly  in- 
debted to  boundless  grace  and  mercy. 

Though  he  sees  his  state  to  be  guilty,  wretched,  and 
desperate,  yet  he  is  blessed.  Why  so  1  merely  because 
he  sees  and  knows  himself  to  be  wretched,  poor,  mise- 
rable, blind  and  naked  1  Alas,  this  knowledge,  like  Job's 
friends,  would  prove  but  as  a  miserable  comforter  to  his 
soul.  He  can  no  more  trust  in  his  known  poverty  and 
rags  to  entitle  him  to  the  kingdom,  than  in  his  fancied 


APRIL  16.  161 

robes  and  riches.  But  such  are  blessed,  or  happy,  be- 
cause the  grace  of  the  kingdom  is  in  their  hearts  now, 
and  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  in  glory.  Most 
joyful  consideration ! 

They  are  chosen  to  it  by  the  love  of  the  Father  ;  they 
are  blessed  in  Christ  with  all  spiritual  blessings.  And 
as  an  evidence  of  this,  the  Holy  Spirit  bestows  on  them 
wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  :  he 
enlightens  the  eyes  of  their  understanding  to  know  what 
is  the  hope  of  their  calling,  and  what  is  the  riches  of 
the  glory  of  his  inheritance.  Eph.  1 :  17,  18.  How  un- 
speakably blessed !  How  immensely  rich  are  the  poor 
in  spirit !  Having  nothing  in  themselves,  yet  possess- 
ing all  things  in  Christ. 

It  is  usual,  in  worldly  commerce,  where  a  person's 
credit  is  not  established,  for  him  to  value  himself  upon 
the  credit  ot  some  rich  person  ;  so  he  gains  credit  and 
repute.  Thus  the  poor  sinner  values  himself  upon  the 
riches  of  Christ  for  all  acceptance  in  God's  sight.  Jesus 
is  our  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemp- 
tion. This  is  our  daily  rejoicing.  Here,  O  soul,  is  thy 
precious  inventory  !  Read,  and  rejoice  at  thy  riches. 
"All  things  are  yours  ;"  ministers,  the  world,  life,  death, 
things  present,  things  to  come — all  are  yours  ;  for  "  ye 
are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's."    1  Cor.  3  :  23. 


April  16. — He  shall  glorify  me.  John,  16  :  14. 
The  Gospel  is  suited  to  our  indigent  state  and  dis- 
tressed circumstiinces.  But  we  are  averse  to  receive 
it,  in  the  love  of  it,  because  of  our  lofty  spirit  and  pride 
of  heart.  Any  system  that  exalts  and  glorifies  us  in 
our  own  eyes,  and  in  the  sight  of  others,  we  are,  natu- 
rally, very  fond  of.  This  notion  we  do  not  easily  part 
with.  To  imagine  ourselves  possessed  of  some  inhe- 
rent good  dispositions  and  amiable  tempers,  which  put 


162  APRIL  16. 

us  upon  more  respectable  terms  in  the  sight  of  God, 
and  gain  his  favor — this  we  are  apt  to  mistake  for  the 
work  of  the  Spirit  upon  the  heart.  But,  as  this  notion 
leads  from  the  faith  and  hope  of  the  Gospel,  opposes  the 
glory  of  Jesus,  lays  another  foundation  than  him  for 
hope,  and  tends  to  plume  the  creature  with  pride  and 
vanity  ;  we  are  taught  to  detest  it,  as  the  spirit  of  an- 
tichrist and  delusion.  For  this  God  severely  reproves 
his  church  of  old:  ^' Thou  didst  trust  in  thine  own 
beauty,  and  playedst  the  harlot  because  of  thy  renown." 
Ezekiel,  16  :  15. 

But  the  Spirit,  who  effects  the  marriage  union  between 
the  Lamb  and  his  bride,  does  nothing  upon  the  heart 
that  it  should  trust  in,  to  attract  the  affections  from 
Jesus,  or  alienate  the  life  from  him.  The  Spirit  shall 
glorify,  not  yourselves  as  the  subject  of  his  operations, 
but  "  he  shall  glorify  me,"  saith  Jesus,  in  your  sight  and 
affections.  He  shall  bear  witness  to  my  person  and 
offices,  the  relation  I  stand  in  to  you  j  that  justification 
is  solely  by  my  righteousness,  atonement  by  my  one 
sacrifice,  and  pardon  of  sin  by  my  blood  ;  that  I  am 
your  Priest,  ever  before  the  throne,  representing  your 
persons  and  pleading  your  cause.  So  shall  you  find 
peace  in  me,  live  daily  on  me,  and  rejoice  only  in  me. 

Thus,  while  the  Spirit  exalts  and  glorifies  Christ  only, 
our  hearts  are  comforted  in  truth,  and  sanctified  in  love, 
to  his  honor  and  service.  Thus  he  makes  Jesus  precious 
to  us  5  because  we  see  the  Father's  love  diffusing  itself 
through  his  pierced  heart  to  ours,  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
given  to  us.  Hence  we  become  alive  in  our  spirits  and 
affections  to  God?  and  dead  to  self-righteous,  self- 
glorying  views.  We  die  daily  to  carnal  lusts  and  cor- 
rupt affections,  which  we  know  tend  to  dishonor  our 
dear  Lord,  are  contrary  to  his  will,  degrade  our  souls, 
and  rob  us  of  heart-felt  communion  with  him.  The 
more  Jesus  is  thus  glorified,  and  wc  abide  in  him,  so 


APRIL  17.  163 

much  the  more  are  we  enabled  to  bring  forth  the  fruits 
of  the  Spirit  to  his  praise  and  glory.  "  As  many  as  are 
led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God." 
Romans,  8  :  14. 


April  17. — Fear  not,  thou  worm  Jacoh.     Isaiah,  41  :  14. 

In  the  light  of  truth,  and  teaching  of  the  Spirit,  every 
believer  in  Jesus  loses  sight  of  the  once-fancied  dignity 
of  his  human  nature,  and  sinks,  in  the  view  of  himself, 
to  the  meanest  reptile.  Probably  the  church  in  Isaiah's 
days  had  been,  considering  her  weak,  helpless  state, 
surrounded  with  trials  and  difficulties  ;  exposed  conti- 
nually to  the  power  of  enemies  on  every  side  ;  in  great 
danger  of  being  trodden  under  foot  and  crushed  to 
death  j  and  had  been  laying  her  case  before  the  Lord, 
confessing,  "  I  am  a  worm  and  no  man."  Psalm  22  ;  6. 
Well,  the  Lord  condescends  to  reply  to  such  humble 
souls.  Though  as  mean  in  thine  own  eyes,  and  as  despi- 
cable in  the  sight  of  others,  as  a  poor,  base,  insignificant, 
crawling  worm  of  the  earth  ;  yet  thou  art  precious  in 
my  sight.  Though  thou  hast  no  power  in  thyself  to 
resist  enemies ;  no  strength  to  support  thyself  under 
afflictions  and  distresses ;  though  Satan  threatens, 
troubles  bow  thee  down,  corruptions  rage,  and  all  the 
combined  force  of  earth  and  hell  is  enraged  against  thee, 
yet,  "  Fear  not,  thou  worm,"  saith  the  Lord. 

Soldier  of  Jesus,  "  Fear  not."  This  is  thy  Captain's 
word  of  command.  Scarcely  any  phrase  so  frequently 
occurs  in  the  word  of  God  as  this.  Consider  it  as  an 
antidote  against  all  desponding,  doubting,  and  dejection. 
Thou  canst  never  fall  into  any  exercise,  be  under  any 
temptations,  be  visited  by  any  afflictions,  come  into  any 
straits  or  difficulties,  but  what  the  power  of  God  can 
support  thee  under,  and  bring  thee  safely  through. 
Consult  not  human  probability  j  judge  not  according  to 


164.  APRIL  18. 

appearances  ;  say  not,  "  Worm  as  I  am,  I  shall  surely  be 
crushed."  Nay,  but  is  any  thing  too  hard  for  God  1  He 
saith,  ''  I  will  help  thee,"  I  will  succor,  I  will  support 
thee,  I  will  strengthen  thee  j  my  grace  is  sufficient  for 
thee.  Can  a  God  of  truth  promise  in  vain  1  Will  a  God 
of  love  ever  fail  to  assist  1  Doth  not  a  God  of  wisdom 
know  when  to  deliver]  Suffice  it,  we  have  his  pro- 
mise. That  engages  his  truth,  and  demands  our  faith  to 
honor  him. 

''  I  am  with  thee,"  saith  the  Saviour.  He  is  present, 
though,  perhaps,  thou  thinkest  otherwise,  and  feelest 
not  his  comfortable  presence.  Thy  most  secret  sigh, 
as  well  as  every  distress,  lies  open  to  his  view.  The 
crafty  designs  of  thy  subtle  foe,  and  all  his  vile  strata- 
gems, are  without  a  covering  before  thy  Lord.  Terrify 
and  distress  thee  he  may  ;  but  prevail  over  thy  soul  he 
shall  not.  For  He  that  keepeth  Israel  neither  slumbereth 
nor  sleepeth.  He  is  ever  watchful  to  guard  and  powerful 
to  keep.  And  he  says,  "  No  weapon  that  is  formed 
against  thee  shall  prosper  ;  and  every  tongue  that  shall 
rise  against  thee  in  judgment  thou  shalt  condemn." 
Isaiah,  54 :  17. 


Apkil  18. — Be  careful  for  nothing  ;  hut  in  every  thing  ly 
prayer  and  supplication  icith  thatiksgiving  let  your  requests 
be  made  kncwn  unto  God.     Phil.  4  :  6. 

All  anxious  cares,  which  torture  and  distress  the  mind, 
arise  from  unbelief,  are  contrary  to  our  profession,  dis- 
honorable to  our  God,  and  injurious  to  our  peace  and 
comfort.  Therefore  they  are  forbidden  by  the  Gospel 
of  grace,  in  love  to  the  children  of  God.  But,  believer, 
thou  hast  not  so  learned  Christ,  as  to  pass  away  a  life 
of  careless  indolence  and  thoughtless  inactivity.  No  : 
vigilance,  industry,  and  fervency  of  spirit  ever  become 


APRIL  18.  165 

thee.  "  Not  slothful  in  business,"  but  "  fervent  in  spirit, 
serving  the  Lord." 

Careful  and  diligent  we  are  to  be,  in  the  use  of  all 
means  in  our  power,  both  to  procure  the  subsistence  and 
welfare  of  the  body,  and  also  to  preserve  the  liveliness 
and  vigor  of  the  soul.  Careful  and  diligent,  yet,  with- 
out care  that  brings  disquietude  and  distress.  As  to 
the  things  of  this  life,  it  is  sufficient  to  answer  all  our 
anxiety  and  silence  our  every  fear  and  doubt,  "  Your 
heavenly  Father,"  saith  Jesus,  "  knoweth  that  you  have 
need  of  them."  He  feeds  the  birds.  Will  he  suffer  his 
children  to  starve  %  Thou  shalt  have  all  things  needful 
for  life  and  godliness.  If  such  a  sinner  as  I  may  speak 
of  himself,  under  worldly  losses  and  disappointments, 
I  have  thought,  "  Well,  though  I  have  not  what  I  ex' 
pected,  I  can  very  well  go  to  heaven  without  it."  This 
consideration,  thanks  to  my  dear  Saviour,  hath  often 
brought  a  heaven  of  contentment  in  a  world  of  disap- 
pointment. 

As  to  spiritual  blessings,  "  He  that  spared  not  his  own 
Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not 
with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things  V  The  Father, 
who  hath  "blessed  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in 
Christ  Jesus,"  will  hand  them  down  to  us  by  his  Holy 
Spirit,  in  number,  weight,  and  measure,  just  as  his  wis- 
dom sees  best.  And  it  is  our  wisdom  to  be  content  and 
thankful.  Here  is  encouragement  for  faith,  prayer,  and 
praise. 

And  canst  thou  look  within,  without,  around,  above, 
and  see  no  cause  for  thanksgiving  %  O  christian,  are  not 
what  thou  hast  in  hand,  and  in  hope,  the  free  gifts  of 
the  grace  of  thy  God  ]  Call  to  mind  his  mercies,  to 
excite  gratitude.  Reflect  on  his  promises,  to  quicken 
prayer.  Under  all  thy  trials,  distresses,  sorrows,  fears, 
doubts,  and  difficulties,  here  is  sweet  encouragement  to 
speak  them  out  freely  and  familiarly  unto  God.     Hear 


166  APRIL  19. 

and  rejoice  ;  He  ''  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly 
above  all  that  we  ask  or  think."  Eph.  3  :  20. 


April  19. — My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  ;  for  my  strength  is 
made  perfect  in  thy  loeakness.   2  Cor.  12  :  9. 

Spiritual  conflicts  with  the  enemy  of  souls  are  the  lot 
of  all  God's  children.  Holy  Paul  was  hereby  under 
deep  and  afflicting  distress.  Satan,  the  adversary,  as- 
saulted him  very  powerfully.  He  groaned  under  it ;  he 
frequently  besought  Jesus,  that  this  grievous  and  pain- 
ful messenger  of  Satan  might  depart  from  him,  that  his 
conflict  might  be  at  an  end.  How  does  the  enemy  dis- 
tress God's  children  !  The  hearts  of  such  only  know 
the  bitterness  thereof.  But  is  the  Captain  of  their  sal- 
vation regardless  of  them  1  Is  he  deaf  to  their  prayers 
when  they  call  on  him  1  No  j  he  ever  hears,  he  always 
answers  in  love. 

But  did  the  Lord  grant  his  dear  servant's  request  1  No  : 
then  the  design  of  love  would  not  have  been  answered. 
Paul  was  in  danger  of  being  "  exalted  above  measure  :" 
this  was  to  be  prevented.  He  was  "  to  glory  in  infirmi- 
ties :"  this  was  to  be  effected.  Satan's  design  was  for 
his  evil :  Jesus  makes  it  work  for  good.  But  that  he 
might  not  faint  in  the  combat,  this  comfortable  answer 
is  given,  "My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee ;  for  my 
strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness."  Let  it  suffice, 
my  love  and  favor  are  ever  towards  you  ;  my  almighty 
strength  is  engaged  to  preserve  you.  Though  you  are 
weakness  itself,  to  withstand  such  an  enemy  ;  yet  my 
almighty  strength  shall  uphold  you  ;  in  this  you  shall 
conquer. 

Here  is  the  strongest  assurance  for  the  confidence  of 
faith,  and  the  most  solid  ground  for  the  rejoicing  of 
hope — the  grace  and  love  of  Jesus  opposed  to  the  malice 
and  hatred  of  Satan ;  the  strength  of  Jehovah  triumph- 
ing in  and   made  illustriously    glorious    through    our 


APRIL  20.  167 

weakness.  0  what  an  ever-loving,  all-sufRcient,  omnipo- 
tent Lord  is  Jehovah  Jesus  !  The  Lord  whom  thou 
servest,  believer,  knows  every  distress  and  conflict  of 
ihy  soul.  He  will  strengthen  thee  in,  support  thee  un- 
der, and  bring  thee  safe  through,  all  thy  exercises  and 
troubles.  Thou  shalt  lose  nothing  in  the  furnace  but 
the  dross  of  nature's  pride  and  corruption,  and  the 
vanity  of  self-glorying,  self-sufficiency,  and  self-righte- 
ousness. The  Spirit  will  teach  thee  to  profit  in  humility 
and  self-diffidence,  to  glory  in  and  exalt  the  Lord  Jesus 
more  and  more.  Sweet  and  encouraging  is  that  promise 
to  God's  people  in  general ;  strong  and  comforting  is 
God's  declaration  to  Paul  in  particular,  "Fear  not,  for 
I  am  with  thee  j  be  not  dismayed,  for  I  am  thy  God  :  I 
will  strengthen  thee  j  yea,  I  will  help  thee  ;  yea,  I  will 
uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness^" 
Isa.  41 :  10. 


April  20. — Judge  ■  not  according  to  the  appearance,  hit  judge 
righteous  judgment.     John,  7  :  24. 

By  acting  contrary  to  this  advice  of  our  great  prophet, 
the  children  of  God  often  bring  sorrow  upon  themselves. 
"My  feet  were  almost  gone  ;  my  steps  had  well  nigh 
slipped,"  said  the  Psalmist.  Why  1  what  was  the  cause  1 
Alas!  alas!  he  had  been  looking  at  the  outward  appear- 
ance of  the  wicked;  how  happy,  gay,  and  joyful  they 
seemed.  So  that  corrupt  nature  and  carnal  reason  had 
erected  a  tribunal  in  opposition  to  faith  and  truth. 
"  Verily,"  says  he,  "  I  have  cleansed  my  heart  in  vain." 
But  he  was  soon  undeceived,  and  brought  to  "judge 
righteous  judgment "  from  the  records  of  truth  in  the 
sanctuary  of  his  God.    Psalm  73, 

Professors  of  old  had  a  severe  check  for  thus  judg- 
ing :  "  Your  words  have  been  stout  against  me,  saith  the 
Lord.  Ye  have  said,  It  is  vain  to  serve  God."  Mai.  3. 
"  Ye  call  the  proud,"  that  is,  self-righteous,  but  disobe- 


168  APRIL  21. 

dient  persons,  whom  I  resist  and  abhor,  "  happy." 
Christian,  beware  of  judging  of  men.  Be  cautious  of 
determining  of  matters  by  appearances.  They  are  very 
deceitful.  Judge  of  no  man's  state  by  appearances. 
Evil  actions  we  may  condemn.  Good  actions  we  should 
applaud.  But  to  judge  and  determine  the  eternal  state 
of  any  by  appearances,  we  have  no  authority.  It  was 
a  judicious  speech  of  St.  Austin,  "  If  I  see  a  wicked 
man  die,  shall  I  say  he  is  gone  to  hell  1  I  dare  not. 
Shall  I  say  he  is  gone  to  heaven  1     I  cannot." 

How  awful  were  the  falls  of  David  and  Peter !  To 
what  dreadful  lengths  of  cruel  persecution  against 
Christ,  his  truth  and  members,  did  Paul  run  !  Yet,  how 
did  the  rich  grace  of  our  God  triumph  in  their  repent- 
ance and  salvation!  Therefore,  believer,  even  as  to 
thine  own  eternal  state,  judge  not  from  present  sense 
and  appearance,  though  all  things  seem  against  thee. 
Oppose  not  thy  feelings  to  God's  truth,  love,  grace, 
promises  and  oath  in  Christ.  For  they  all  point  to 
sinners,  lost  and  perishing  sinners.  Whatever  else  thou 
hast  lost,  a  sense  of  sin  is  with  thee.  True,  sayest  thou, 
and  a  dreadful  sense  it  is.  I  also  know  it :  I  have  fel- 
lowship with  thee  in  the  same  sorrowful  truth.  But 
still  ''  this  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  accep- 
tation, that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners."  Is  there  a  doubt  in  thy  heart,  a  fear  in  thy 
mind,  a  sin  upon  thy  conscience,  but  he  is  able  to  re- 
lieve and  cleanse  thee  from  1  "  Be  not  faithless,  but 
believing,"  saith  thy  Lord.    John,  20  ;  27. 


April  21. — We  know,  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tahernacle 
were  dissolved,  toe  have  a  building  of  God,  a  Itouse  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  2  Cor.  5  :  1. 

It  is  the  grand  device  of  the  arch-deceiver,  Satan,  to 
represent  the  religion  of  Jesus  as  tending  only  to  melan- 


APRIL  21.  169 

choly,  gloom,  and  sadness.  Bui  daily  experience  proves 
the  reverse.  For,  under  a  sense  of  a  weak,  disordered 
body;  from  views  of  its  approaching  dissolution;  with 
thoughts  of  its  being  shortly  committed  to  the  silent 
grave — except  the  christian,  who  can  put  on  an  air  of 
composure,  joy,  and  delight  1  Who  has  such  cause  for 
continual  felicity  as  he  who  knows  his  lease  of  his 
present  house  is  well  nigh  expired,  that  shortly  it  is  to 
be  pulled  down,  but  who,  through  the  kindness  and 
love  of  his  heavenly  Father,  has  a  free  grant  of  his 
eternal  inheritance  given  him,  "  a  house  not  made 
with  hands  1"  What  comfort  must  it  yield  him,  to  know 
the  nature  of  the  purchase  ;  the  certainty  of  its  being 
obtained  ;  the  price  fully  paid  ;  the  deeds  signed  and 
sealed  ;  the  conveyance  legally  made  ;  his  trustee  Jesus, 
actually  in  possession  ;  yea,  and  "  the  earnest  of  his 
inheritance  "  in  his  heart  ^'  by  the  Holy  Ghost  given 
unto  him  .'" 

O  the  inexpressible  joy  of  this  knowledge !  All  this 
we  know  assuredly  by  faith.  Come,  my  brother  mortal, 
is  thy  house  like  mine,  feeble,  and  just  ready  to  fall  1 
Olet  us  daily  be  looking,  by  faith,  from  Pisgah's  top  to 
the  promised  inheritance.  Let  us  daily  consider  our 
approaching  dissolution,  that  our  hearts  may  more  and 
more  love  and  live  with  our  dear  Saviour,  who  hath  told 
us,  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you  :  I  will  come  again 
and  receive  you  to  myself;  where  1  am,  there  shall  you 
be  also.  John,  14  :  2,  3. 

Vain  and  trifling  is  all  this  perishing  world  has  to 
offer,  compared  with  the  glory  which  shall  shortly  be 
revealed  in  us.  Yea,  not  to  be  set  in  competition  with 
the  grace  that  is  now  upon  us.  And  what  can  deprive 
such  an  heir  of  his  inheritance!  Shall  sin  1  No;  that  is 
fully  atoned  by  the  blood  of  Jesus.  Shall  the  world  1 
No  ;  he  hath  victory  over  that  by  the  faith  of  Jesus. 
Shall  Satan  1  No  ;  "the  God  of  peace  will  bruise  Satan 

S.  Treasiuy.  o 


170  '  APRIL  22. 

under  his  feet  shortly."  Rom.  16  :  20.  Shall  the  cor- 
ruptions of  his  nature  and  the  workings  of  unbelief  1 
These  may  distress  and  make  him  groan,  may  deject 
with  doubts,  but,  through  grace,  shall  not  prevail  against 
him.  '^  Sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you,  for  ye  are 
under  grace."  Rom.  4  :  li.  ''  Kept  by  the  power  of  God, 
through  faith,  unto  salvation."    1  Pet.  1  :  5. 


April  22. —  They  who  feared  the  Lord,  spake  often  one  to  an- 
other :  the  Lord  hearkened,  and  heard  it.  Mai.  3  :  16. 
The  tongue,  though  but  a  little  member,  yet  is  capable 
of  being  employed  to  the  best  services  or  worst  pur- 
poses. He  is  a  perfect  man  who  offends  not  in  word. 
He  is  a  man  after  God's  own  heart  who  prays  daily, 
''  Let  the  words  of  my  mouth  and  the  meditation  of  my 
heart  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord."  Psalm  19  : 
14.  '^  By  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  justified,  and  by  thy 
w^ords  thou  shalt  be  condemned."  Matt.  12  :  37.  Most 
weighty  considerations  !  Let  us  take  heed  that  we 
offend  not  with  our  tongue.  But,  most  encouraging  as- 
surance, our  God  hearkens  to  his  dear  children  when 
they  converse  together  about  his  kingdom  and  glory, 
and  our  peace,  edification,  and  holiness.  Yea,  more; 
O  condescending  love !  "  a  book  of  remembrance  w^as 
written  before  him,  of  them  who  feared  the  Lord  and 
thought  upon  his  name." 

Is  such  kind  notice  taken  of  our  converse  1  then  what 
emulation  ought  to  fire  us,  that  our  tongues  may  edify 
and  provoke  each  other  to  love  and  good  works  !  What 
shame  to  christians,  that  they  too  often  meet  and  talk, 
and  their  poor  hearts  are  neither  edified,  warmed,  nor 
comforted!  Why  is  this  1  Truly  the  end  oC  their  con- 
versation, "  Jesus,  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for 
ever,"  was  not  considered.  He  is  always  most  worthy 
to  be  uppermost  in  our  hearts  and  tongues.    This,  like 


APRIL  23.  171 

a  live  coal  from  the  altar,  is  the  only  fire  to  make  cold 
hearts  glow  with  love,  and  warm  hearts  burn  with  affec- 
tion. The  best  news  of  the  day,  the  fittest  subject  for 
conversation,  is  the  rich,  free,  sovereign  grace  of  our 
God ;  the  love  of  Christ  ;  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gos- 
pel;  the  joyful  news  of  salvation  finished  by  Jesus. 
This  we  are  going  fully  to  enjoy. 

What  then  should  we  talk  of  by  the  way  but  this  1  O 
disciple,  dost  thou  find  a  dull  frame  and  a  sad  heart  1 
and  therefore,  sayest,  I  am  unfit  to  converse  of  these 
things  1  This  is,  really,  like  staying  from  the  fire  be- 
cause cold,  or  abstaining  from  food  because  hungry. 
Consider  the  conduct  of  the  disciples.  Jesus  drew  near 
to  them,  and  asks,  ''  What  manner  of  communications 
are  these  that  ye  have  one  to  another,  as  ye  walk,  and 
are  sad  1"  Luke,  24  :  17.  Though  they  had  lost  sight  of 
Jesus,  though  their  hearts  were  sad  about  it,  yet  they 
refrained  not  talking  and  communing  about  him.  And 
he  soon  made  their  hearts  burn  within  them. 


April  23. — No  man  having  put  his  hand  to  the  plough,  and 
looliing  lack,  is  fit  for,  the  kingdom  of  God. — Luke,  9  :  Q2. 

The  eye,  though  a  little  member,  is  yet,  perhaps,  of 
all  the  senses,  the  greatest  inlet  to  temptation.  The 
first  motion  to  sin  entered  by  seeing*  Eve  saw  the  fruit 
was  good  and  pleasant  to  the  eye.  Looking  begat 
longing.  So  lust  was  conceived  and  brought  forth  sin. 
Sin,  when  it  was  finished,  brought  forth  death  upon  her 
and  all  her  posterity.  When  Satan  tempted  Jesus,  he 
began  the  attack  by  presenting  to  his  view  the  king- 
doms of  the  world  and  the  glory  thereof.  Seeing  this, 
we  have  reason  with  Job  to  make  a  covenant  with  our 
eyes  ;  and  with  David  tq  pray  daily,  "  Turn  away  mine 
eyes  from  beholding  vanity."  No  state  more  awful, 
than  to  set  out  in  the  best  cause  and  turn  back  to  the 


172  APRIL  23. 

worst  enemy.  The  end  of  such  is  dreadful.  Most  de- 
plorable, to  turn  from  following  Jesus,  and  make  ship- 
wreck of  faith  and  a  good  conscience  I 

Whether  it  be  minister  or  disciple  who  hath  put  his 
hand  to  the  gospel  plough,  if  his  eye  is  attracted  and 
his  heart  allured  after  ''  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of 
the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,"  these  will  render  him 
unfit  for  the  kingdom  of  God.  For  these  are  as  con- 
trary to  the  spirit  of  Christ  and  his  kingdom,  as  heaven 
to  helL     No  man  can  serve  two  such  opposite  masters- 

If  thou  hast  chosen  Jesus  for  thy  portion  and  thy 
all,  why  look  back  to  the  world  1  What  contempt  doth 
such  conduct  pour  upon  him  !  The  heart  is  not  whole 
with  him.  It  speaks  loudly,  as  if  there  was  something 
desirable  in  Christ  and  his  ways  j  but  not  enough  to  win 
the  heart  and  engage  the  affections  entirely,- and  make 
the  mind  completely  happy.  "  If  any  man  draw  back, 
my  soul,"  saith  the  Lord,  "  shall  have  no  pleasure  in 
him."  And,  verily,  such  a  soul  can  have  no  pleasure 
in  God.  Whither  will  he  fly,  to  what  refuge  betake 
himself,,  in  the  hour  of  calamity  and  day  of  distress  1 
A  forsaken  Jesus,  a  slighted  Gospel  and  neglected  sal- 
vation, will  wound  the  conscience  with  the  keenest 
sting. 

See  to  it,  0  professor.  Watch  over  thy  lustful  eye. 
It  is  ever  looking  back  to  and  longing  after  more  from 
this  world.  Beware  of  thy  deceitful  heart,  lest  it  turn 
from  Christ  to  the  world.  If  so,  thou  wilt  soon  let  cro 
the  gospel  plough,  and  yet  find  earthly  pleas  for  thy 
conduct.  Many  barren  professors  have  ever  a  reason 
(such  as  it  is)  at  their  tongue^s  end,  for  their  covetous, 
worldly-minded  spirit.  Yet,  like  Lot's  wife,  they  look 
to  Sodom,  and  are  monuments  of  God's  displeasure. 
"But,  beloved,  we  are  persuaded  better  things  of  you, 
and  things  that  accompany  salvation,  though  we  thus 
speak."    Heb.  6  :  9. 


APRIL  24.  173 

April  24. — Search  the  Scriptures  ;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have 

eternal  life  ;  and  they  are  they  which  testify  of  me.     John, 

5:39. 

It  was  an  excellent  reply  of  a  christian  lady  to  a  scoff- 
ing infidel,  who  ridiculed  the  Scriptures,  and  asked, 
What  proof  she  could  give  of  the  trutli  of  holy  writ? 
*^  Yourself,  sir,"  she  said,  "  is  one.  For  it  is  written^ 
*  There  shall  come  in  the  last  days  scoffers,  walking  after 
their  own  lusts.'  "  2  Pet.  3  :  3.  Even  Satan,  when  he 
tempted  our  Lord,  though  he  d^red  to  pervert,  yet  he 
never  once  attempted  to  deny  holy  Scripture  to  be  th« 
truth  of  God, 

Shame  to  professors  who  are  ignorant  of  God's  word! 
For  Jesus  and  eternal  life  are  revealed  therein.  Even 
devils,  who  have  no  hope  from  the  Scriptures,  seem  well 
v«rsed  in  them.  But,  may  not  Jonadab's  question  to 
Amnon  be  put  even  to  some  of  God's  children,  "  Why 
art  thou,  being  a  king's  son,  lean  from  day  to  day  V 
2  Sam.  13  :  4.  Leanness  of  soul  comes  on  many  through 
neglecting  the  nourishing  truths  of  God's  word.  It  is 
the  rich  feast  of  the  Father's  love.  By  it  the  soul  is 
fed  and  nourished  up  to  eternal  life.  Verily,  when  we 
lose  our  appetite  for  the  Scriptures,  and  they  are  not 
savory  food  to  us,  our  souls  become  sickly  and  languish, 

"  They  testify  of  me,"  saith  Jesus.  Is  not  that. word 
enough  1  what  so  sweetly,  so  powerfully  engaging  to 
the  soul,  as  when  something  of  our  dear  Saviour  is  to 
be  learned  from  every  page  1  The  more  we  are  ac- 
quainted with  his  precious  person,  his  amazing  love,  his 
wonderful  humility,  his  astonishing  sufferings,  and  his 
finished  work  on  earth ;  so  much  the  more  will  he  be 
endeared  to  our  hearts.  We  shall  prize  the  word  that 
testifies  of  him,  and  the  Spirit  who  glorifies  him.  We 
shall  think  of  him,  love  him,  live  upon  him,  live  to  him, 
long  to  be  with  him,  from  day  to  day.  So  we  shall  be- 
guile all  our  troubles  and  trials  below.    Our  hearts  will 


174  APRIL  25. 

be  simple  and  happy.  Our  conversation  and  conduct 
will  be  more  like  the  meek  Lamb  of  God.  Thus  shall 
we  grow  as  Pharaoh's  "kine,  fat-fleshed  and  well-fa- 
vored," while  we  feed  in  God's  meadow.  Gen.  41 :  18. 
If  we  neglect  the  Scriptures,  that  testify  of  Jesus,  no 
marvel  we  enjoy  not  the  comfort  of  the  Spirit's  witness 
of  him. 

Says  Luther,  '^  Let  the  Lord  take  me  out  of  life  this 
hour,  or  when  it  pleaseth  him,  I  leave  this  behind  me. 
I  will  own  Jesus  Christ  for  my  Lord  and  my  God.  This 
I  have  not  only  out  of  the  Scriptures,  but  by  manifold 
experience  also  ;  for  the  name  of  Jesus  hath  often  helped 
and  comforted  me  when  no  creature  could."  "  Holy 
Scriptures  are  able  to  make  us  wise  unto  salvation, 
through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus."    2  Tim.  3  :  15. 

"  Great  God  !  mine  eyes  with  pleasure  look 

"  On  the  dear  volume  of  thy  book  ; 

"  There  my  Redeemer's  face  I  see, 

"  And  read  his  name  who  died  for  me." 


April  25.— Ye  are  come  to  Jesus  the  Mediator  of  the  new  cove' 
nayit,  and  to  the  blood  of  sprinkling.     Heb.  12  :  24. 

When,  from  zeal  and  affection  for  their  beloved  Mas- 
ter, the  disciples  would  have  called  fire  from  heaven, 
'^  he  rebuked  them,  saying,  Ye  know  not  what  manner 
of  spirit  ye  are  of."  In  young  disciples  there  is  often 
much  zeal,  which  is  not  according  to  knowledge.  They 
know  but  little  from  what  evils  they  are  called,  and  to 
what  privileges  they  are  come.  It  behoves  all  to  be 
diligent  in  reading,  hearing,  and  studying  the  truths  of 
Jesus.    So  the  Spirit  makes  wise  heads  and  joyful  hearts. 

To  learn  something  of  Jesus,  from  the  law,  the  types 
and  figures,  the  prophecies,  promises,  and  the  Gospel,  is 
the  chief  concern  of  sincere  souls.  So  their  hearts  are 
daily  more  and  more  established  in  faith  ;  and  they  know 
more   assuredly   that  they  are    really  come   to   Jesus 


APRIL  25.  175 

When  we  read  of  Moses  sprinkling  the  people,  and  cry- 
ing out,  "  Behold  the  blood  of  the  covenant,"  (Exod. 
24  :  8,)  this  reminds  us  of  the  pardon  of  sin  by  the 
precious  blood  of  the  dear  Lamb  ;  and  how  the  sprink- 
ling of  this  blood  purifies  the  heart  from  sin,  and  the 
conscience  from  guilt,  by  faith. 

The  acceptable  sacrifice  of  Abel,  by  which  he  "  ob- 
tained witness  that  he  was  righteous,"  brings  to  our 
mind  the  most  excellent  sacrifice  of  our  beloved  Saviour. 
This  speaks  righteousness,  peace,  love,  and  salvation 
to  our  souls.  This  silences  all  guilty  fears.  This  revives 
and  comforts  drooping,  trembling  hearts,  knowing  that 
Jesus,  our  Mediator,  is  ever  before  the  throne.  This 
gives  boldness,  and  confidence  of  access  to  God,  and 
freedom  of  heart,  to  draw  nigh  to,  love  him,  and  rejoice 
in  him. 

Whatever  our  various  conditions  or  circumstances 
are,  our  only  wisdom  and  comfort  lies  in  simply  com- 
mending all  to  Jesus,  knowing  that  we  are  come  to 
him,  and  live  comfortably  by  daily  coming  to  him.  Is 
sin  our  sorrow,  grief,  and  burden  1  Jesus  has  a  plea  for 
it.  He  does  not  extenuate  or  excuse  it :  nor  should  we, 
but  confess  it  with  all  its  aggravations.  His  blood  speaks 
before  the  throne.  The  Spirit  bears  witness  to  it. 
When  the  voice  of  sin  and  terror  is  heard  in  thy  con- 
science, Christ's  blood  speaks  pardon  from  God,  freedom 
from  condemnation,  peace  of  conscience,  joy  of  heart, 
and  a  hope  full  of  immortality,  happy  to  have  come  to 
Jesus  ;  and  joyful  to  believe  in  him  as  our  Mediator 
O  how  full  of  the  richest  consolation  is  this  declara- 
tion I  '^  If  we  confess  our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and  just 
to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  un- 
righteousness." 1  John,  1  ;  9. 


176  APRIL  26. 

April  26. — Jesus  said  unto  Peter^  Wherefore  didst  thou  douht  T 
Matthew,  14 :  31. 

The  best  of  men  are  but  men  at  the  best.  The  most 
eminent  saints  of  God  have  experienced  doubting,  fear- 
ful frames,  as  well  as  believing,  joyful  ones.  We  have 
many  instances  of  this  in  the  bold  and  courageous  Peter. 
Now,  at  the  command  of  his  Master,  we  behold  him 
walking  safely  on  the  surface  of  the  great  deep.  Here 
he  honoured  his  Master's  word,  was  very  safe  and  com- 
fortable, while  he  believed  his  power.  To  see  Peter 
walking  upon  the  liquid  ocean  is  not  more  beyond  the 
power  of  reason  to  comprehend  and  account  for,  than  to 
see  a  poor  sinner  comfortably  living  and  walking  by 
faith  on  the  Son  of  God,  in  spite  of  all  the  raging  waves 
of  unbelief,  and  ihe  corruptions  of  his  nature. 

But  as  it  was  with  Peter,  so  is  it  often  with  the  be- 
liever. The  workings  of  Peter's  natural  senses,  the 
suggestions  of  his  carnal  reason,  opposed  the  actings  of 
his  faith  :  he  heard  the  roaring  winds,  he  saw  the  bois- 
terous waves,  he  considered  the  bulk  and  weight  of 
his  body :  reason  assures  him  fluid  water  cannot  sup- 
port him  ;  faith  fails ;  he  doubts,  he  fears,  he  sinks.  So 
the  poor  sinner,  who  hath  heard  the  inviting  voice  of 
Jesus  and  obeyed  the  word  of  his  grace  to  believe  on 
him,  walks  sweetly  and  comfortably  for  a  season.  But 
anon,  corruptions,  like  the  surging  billows,  lift  up  their 
threatening  heads  j  temptations,  like  the  stormy  wind, 
blow  violently  upon  him  ;  the  thunderings  of  a  fiery 
law  are  heard ;  he  thinks  incensed  justice  pursues 
him,  and  that  the  face  of  Majesty  looks  stern  upon  him. 
Hence  he  reasons  upon  what  he  is,  what  he  has  done, 
and  what  he  may  expect ;  and  all  in  nature,  sense,  and 
his  own  feelings,  is  against  him.  0,  then,  he  doubts, 
and  sinks. 

But  when  he  reflects,  Jesus  is  above  all,  he  is  mighty 
to  save ;  then,  seeing  all  hope  in  him,  and  none  beside 


APRIL  27.  177 

him,  he  cries,  "  Lord,  save,  or  I  perish."  This  is  right. 
Our  Saviour  loves  to  hear  his  poor  disciples  cry  to  him. 
He  is  near  them,  and,  as  Peter  was,  they  are  always 
within  the  reach  of  his  arm.  He  loves  their  persons, 
approves  their  crying ;  but  reproves  their  doubting. 
Wherefore  didst  thou  doubt  1  Though  thy  sins  have 
reached  to  heaven,  yet  my  blood  is  before  th«  throne. 
Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  thy  charge  %  It  is  God  that 
justifiethj  who  shall  condemn  thee  1  I  have  died  j  what 
shall  destroy  thee,  seeing  I  am  able  to  save  to  the 
uttermost  1 — Verily,  O  Jesus,  to  the  poor  and  needy  in 
their  distress  thou  art  a  refuge  from  the  storm.  Isa. 
25  :4. 

"  What  though  the  hosts  of  death  and  hell 
"  All  armsd  against  me  stood, 

"  Why  should  their  terrors  shake  my  soul  1 
"  My  refuge  is  my  God." 


April  27. — /fye  know  these  things,  happy  are  ye  if  ye  do  them, 
Jolm,  13  :  17. 

Jesus  is  a  Prophet  to  teach,  a  Priest  to  atone,  and  a 
King  to  reign,  by  love,  in  the  hearts  of  all  his  subjects. 
So  every  christian  receives  him.  Faith  in  him  begets 
an  ear  of  love  to  his  doctrine,  and  a  heart  of  obedience 
to  his  commands.  Let  no  one  call  evangelical  obedi- 
ence legal  bondage.  For  every  precept  that  dropt 
from  the  mouth  of  Jesus  flows  from  love  to  us.  When 
he  saith,  "  Do  this  ;"  it  is  for  thy  happiness,  O  soul. 
"  Avoid  that  j"  love  is  careful  of  thee.  '^  Do  thyself  no 
harm  5"  this  it  is  pleasant  to  the  renewed  soul  to  hear, 
his  happmess  to  obey.  Faith  in  Jesus  makes  all  things 
easy.  "  His  commandments  are  not  grievous."  To 
know  them  is  our  privilege  ;  to  do  them  our  delight. 
Knowledge  without  practice  is  vain. 

Say,  0  christian,  is  not  this  thy  experience  1  Art 
thou  not  happy  in  doing  the  will  of  Jesus,  who  died  for 


178  APRIL  2T 

our  sins  \  Art  thou  not  delighted  in  obeying  Him  who 
hath  made  peace  between  God  and  thy  soul  1  Art  thou 
not  joyful  in  glorifying  thy  Father,  by  bringing  forth 
the  fruits  of  righteousness  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ'? 
Verily,  "  in  keeping  thy  commandments,''  O  Lord, 
''  there  is  great  reward,"  of  grace,  in  peace  and  happi- 
ness of  soul  now  ',  and  hereafter  such  shall  hear  that 
joyful  sentence  from  our  loving  Saviour,  "  Come,  ye 
blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for 
you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world."  Matt.  25  :  34. 
Then  shall  the  works  of  the  righteous  be  proclaimed  by 
the  Judge.  They  are  called  to  inherit  the  kingdom. 
Why  1  Because  blessed  of  God  the  Father  with  all 
spiritual  blessings  in  Christ  Jesus.  Hence  the  king- 
dom was  prepared  for  them  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world. 

But  it  constitutes  no  part  of  the  believer's  happiness 
to  do  any  work  whatsoever  whereby  to  entitle  himself 
to  the  favor  of  God,  or  to  make  the  work  of  salvation 
more  effectual  than  it  is  made  by  the  blood  and  righ- 
teousness of  the  Son  of  God.  No,  this  is  to  be  rejected 
as  the  vilest  slavery,  the  worst  of  drudgery  ;  contrary 
to  faith,  inconsistent  with  christian  love,  and  derogato- 
ry to  the  salvation  of  Jesus.  Luther  was  wont  to  say, 
"  If  picking  up  a  straw  would  save  me,  (by  my  own 
merit,)  I  would  not  do  it.  It  would  be  an  act  of  un- 
belief of  my  dear  Lord's  salvation.  But  being  already 
saved  by  Jesus,  through  his  grace,  I  would  go  through 
fire  and  water  to  obey  his  commands."  Where  Jesus 
is  the  life  of  the  50ul,  this  will  be  manifest  in  obedience 
to  his  commands.  "Blessed  is  the  man  who  delighteth 
greatly  in  his  commandments."  Psalm  112  ;  1. ' 

"  I  hear  thy  word  with  love, 

"  And  I  would  fain  obey  : 
"  Send  ihy  good  Spirit  fiom  abovf 

"  To  guide  me,  lest  I  strav." 


APRIL  28.  179 

April  28. — Many  there  he  who  say  of  my  soul,   There  is  no  help 
for  him  in  God.  Selah.  Psalm  3  :  2. 

Had  David's  foes  said  of  him,  He  deserves  no  help 
from  God,  he  would  readily  have  owned  this  as  a  great 
truth.  As  God's  children  are  comforted  by  the  truth, 
so  the  enemy  advances  lies  to  distress  them.  When  he 
attacks  their  faith  and  comfort,  he  boldly  impeaches 
the  love  and  faithfulness  of  their  God. 

"  No  help  for  me  in  God !"  O  my  soul,  wilt  thou 
listen  to  this  suggestion  1  Canst  thou  indulge  such  a 
thought  one  moment '?  Art  thou  beset  with  distress  of 
soul,  and  surrounded  Vv'ith  troubles  and  difficulties  1  art 
thou  singing  a  melancholy  note  %  "  Selah,"  saith  David  : 
pause,  consider  this  ;  lift  up  thy  mind  to  attend,  how 
dishonorable  to  thy  God,  how  destructive  to  thy  faith, 
peace,  love,  and  holiness  is  this !  Know  the  voice  of 
thy  enemy.  Hear  the  voice  of  thy  Saviour.  His  word 
is  adapted  to  thy  circumstances,  however  distressing  or 
desperate.  "  Thou  hast  destroyed  thyself !"  AVhat  is 
added '(  Perish  in  thine  own  misdoings'?  No:  for  al- 
mighty love  proclaims  its  own  triumph  ;  "  In  me  is  thine 
help."  Hosea,  13:9. 

''  Man  is  born  to  trouble  as  the  sparks  fly  upward." 
When  born  again,  he  finds  more  enemies  and  troubles 
than  ever.  A  sinful  nature  burdens  him.  Carnal  lusts 
perplex  him.  Satan  tempts  and  accuses  him.  Unbelief 
besets  and  dejects  him  ;  but,  most  joyful  truth,  God  is 
his  dear  Father,  Jesus  his  precious  Saviour,  the  Holy 
Spirit  his  Comforter.  Where  should  the  poor  sinner 
look  1  To  whom  should  the  distressed,  afflicted  soul 
go  %  Happy  for  him,  when,  with  David,  he  goes  with 
child-like  simplicity,  and  tells  his  sorrowful  complaints 
to  his  dear  Saviour  :  '^  Lord,  how  are  they  increased 
that  trouble  me  !  Many  rise  up  against  me."  They  say 
of  my  soul,     '^  There  is  no  help  for  me  in  God." 

The  Saviour  loves  to  hear  his  members'  complaints 


180  APRIL  29.  t 

He  delights  to  redress  them.  Thus,  when  driven  from 
all  hope  and  help  from  within  and  without,  then  they 
honor  him  in  faith  and  prayer.  As  when  a  little  child 
is  affrighted  with  lying  stories  it  flies  to  the  arms  of  its 
father  for  safety,  tells  him  of  its  fears,  and  thus  its  little 
heart  gets  ease.  So  David  found  it.  His  experienced 
heart  cries  out,  '*  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  shield  for  me ; 
my  glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  my  head.  Salvation  be- 
longeth  unto  the  Lord  ;  thy  blessing  is  upon  thy  people." 
Thus,  though  a  mournful  complaint  ushers  in  this  Psalm, 
yet  it  concludes  in  the  joy  and  triumph  of  faith.  "  Weep- 
ing may  endure  for  a  night,  yet  joy  cometh  in  the 
morning."  Psalm  30  :  5. 

"  What  though  the  hosts  of  death  and  hell, 

"  All  armed  against  me  stood  ; 
"  Terrors  no  more  shall  shake  my  soul, 

"  My  refuge  is  my  God." 


April  29. — Blessed  are  they  who  hunger  and  thirst  after  righ- 
teousness ;  for  they  shall  he  filled.  Matthew,  5  :  6. 

To  thirst  after  happiness  is  natural ;  to  seek  it  from 
wrong  objects  is  natural ;  to  desire  to  escape  a  hell  of 
misery  and  enjoy  a  place  of  happiness  is  equally  na- 
tural. If  this  may  be  called  salvation,  all  men  wish  to 
be  saved.  The  most  wicked  may  wish  to  die  the  death 
of  the  righteous,  and  that  their  last  end  may  be  like  his. 
This  every  man  may  desire  as  a  rational,  intelligent 
being.  And  many  are  striving  to  make  themselves 
righteous  in  order  to  be  saved.  But  to  desire  salvation 
in  God's  way,  to  hunger  and  thirst  after  Christ  and  his 
righteousness,  is  peculiar  to  the  quickened  only.  The 
dead  hunger  not.  Spiritual  appetites  spring  from  spirit- 
ual life. 

To  know  ourselves  to  be  miserable  sinners,  destitute 
of  righteousness ;  to  believe  Christ  has  obtained  it  for 
us,  and  to  hunger  and  thirst  after  it :  this  lies  at  the 


APRIL  30,  181 

foundation  of  true  godliness  ;  this  enters  into  the  very- 
essence  of  our  religion.  Such  self-emptied,  hungry  and 
thirsty  souls  are  blessed ;  for  they  shall  be  filled  :  filled 
with  all  the  blessings  of  Jesus'  everlasting  righteous- 
ness, acceptance  with  God,  pardon  of  sin,  and  peace 
from  God  ;  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness  which 
are  by  Jesus  Christ,  with  all  the  graces  of  God's  Spirit 
on  earth,  and  with  all  the  fulness  of  God  in  glory.  "  This 
is  the  heritage  of  my  servants,  and  their  righteousness 
is  of  me,"  saith  our  Lord.  Isa.  54  :  11.  "  The  skies 
pour  down  righteousness,"  the  faithful  open  their  hearts 
and  receive  it.   Isa.  45  :  8. 

O  what  delightful  fellowship  and  intercourse  subsist 
between  heaven  and  earth,  hungry  souls  and  righteous 
Jesus  !  Says  Bishop  Hall,  "  If  Jesus  had  not  said,  '  Bless- 
ed are  those  who  hunger,'  I  know  not  what  could  keep 
weak  christians  from  despair.  Many  times  all  I  can  do 
is  to  find  and  complain,  I  want  Jesus  :  I  wish  to  enjoy 
him.  Now  this  is  my  stay  :  he  in  mercy  esteems  us,  not 
by  having,  but  by  desiring.  There  never  was  a  soul 
that  perished,  longing  after  grace.  O  blessed  hunger, 
that  always  ends  in  fulness  !  I  am  sorry  I  can  but  hun- 
ger, yet  would  not  be  full,  for  the  blessing  is  promised 
to  the  hungry."  As  truly  as  Christ  wrought  out  righ- 
teousness for  sinful  man,  all  thirsty  souls  who  come  to 
him  shall  be  filled  with  righteousness.  For  he  fills  "  the 
hungry  with  good  things,"  while  he  sends  the  rich  (the 
self-righteous)  empty  away.  Luke,  1  :  53. 


April  30. — There  is  therefore  noiv  no  condemnation  to  them 
which  are  in  Christ  Jesus.  Romans,  8:1. 
Burkitt  observes,  "  This  chapter  is  a  summary  of 
evangelical  duty,  and  a  magazine  of  christian  comfort ; 
it  begins  with  no  condemnation  to  believers,  and  ends 
with  no  separation  from  the  love  of  God."  It  is  natural 
to  conceive  that  if  we  had  never  sinned  there  would  be 


182  APRIL  30. 

no  condemnation  against  us  ;  but  that  being  sinners,  and 
naturally  under  the  condemning  sentence  of  God's  holy- 
law,  there  is  yet  no  condemnation  to  us,  this  our  carnal 
reason  cannot  conceive,  and  therefore  opposes  it.  But 
it  is  God's  truth  and  the  joy  of  faith. 

This  unfolds  the  great  mystery,  that  we  are  one  with 
Christ ;  viewed,  beloved,  and  chosen  in  him.  This  glo- 
riously displays  the  attributes  of  Jehovah's  justice  and 
holiness ;  while  it  shows  a  full  and  ample  discharge  to 
all  Christ's  members,  from  all  condemnation  by  his 
righteous  law.  Therefore  that  blessed  name  Jesus  '^  is 
above  every  name"  to  us.  In  this  and  every  other  mat- 
ter of  salvation,  every  believer's  knee  will  bow  to  him, 
and  his  heart  confess  that  Christ  is  all  in  all.  Rich 
privilege  to  be  in  Christ  Jesus  !  Unspeakable  happiness 
to  be  freed  from  all  condemnation!  Blessed  effects  of 
covenant-union  with  Christ !  Joyful  experience  of  the 
grace  of  faith  in  him !  To  have  such  a  knowledge,  and 
pass  such  a  judgment  upon  thy  soul,  O  christian,  is  just 
and  right.  It  is  thy  duty  and  privilege  at  all  times. 
Practise  it. 

As  to  Jesus,  how  readest  thou  I  '^  The  Lord  hath  laid 
upon  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all."  Isa.  53  :  6.  Christ 
''  bore  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree."  1  Pet.  2: 
24.  "  Christ  suffered,  the  just  for  the  unjust."  1  Pet. 
3  :  18.  "  We  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the 
forgiveness  of  sins.  He  was  made  sin  for  us  who  knew 
no  sin."  Can  we  read  all  this  without  singing  a  triumphant 
challenge,  Who  then  "  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge 
of  God's  elect!"  Shall  God  that  justifiethl  No.  "Who 
>s  he  that  condemneth  \  It  is  Christ  that  died,  yea  rather, 
that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
who  also  maketh  intercession  for  us."  Rom.  8:  33,  34-. 
Here  is  the  glorious  triumph  of  faith.  Thou  art  ''  carnal, 
sold  under  sin."  Rom.  7  :  14.  In  thy  flesh  dwelleth  no 
good  thing  ;  though  thou  hast  no  reason  for  confidence 


MAY  1.  183 

in  the  flesh,  thou  hast  always  abundant  cause  to  rejoice  in 
Christ  Jesus ;  for  in  him  thou  art  perfectly  righteous, 
in  him  for  ever  freed  from  all  condemnation.  O  believer, 
thou  art  called  ever  to  rejoice  in  this  liberty,  and  to 
manifest  it  by  walking  '*  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after 
the  Spirit." 


Jflayi, 


Mat  1. — Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I  lay  in  Zion  for 
a  foundation  a  stone,  a  tried  stone,  a  precious  corner-stone, 
a  sure  foundation :  he  that  helieveth  shall  not  make  haste. 
Isaiah,  28:16. 

A  day  is  coming  when  every  man's  work  shall  be  tried. 
The  foundation  of  the  Lord  standeth  sure.  But  every 
other  foundation  shall  be  destroyed.  He  who  is  built 
on  Christ  and  derives  all  his -hopes  of  life  and  salvation 
from  him,  is  safe  in  time  and  to  all  eternity.  Before 
men  begin  to  build  they  draw  a  plan  ;  and  every  wise 
builder  looks  carefully  to  the  foundation  ;  for  on  this 
depends  the  safety  of  the  superstructure. 

The  plan  of  salvation  was  drawn  in  the  eternal  coun- 
sel. It  is  founded  in  the  love  of  the  Father  5  effected  by 
the  obedience  and  sufferings  of  his  Son.  Hence  what 
was  contrived  in  infinite  wisdom  above,  is  laid  as  a  sure 
foundation  in  the  church  below,  by  the  love  and  power 
of  the  Spirit,  the  Comforter.  It  is  his  peculiar  office  to 
lay  this  foundation  in  Zion,  and  to  manifest  and  make 
known  to  the  prophets  and  apostles,  teachers  and  saints, 
that  Jesus  is  the  only  foundation  ;  as  a  stone  for  strength  ; 
a  tried  stone,  approved  of  by  the  Father,  and  by  his  chil- 
dren in  all  ages  j  a  precious  corner-stone  ;  the  ornament 


184  MAY  2. 

and  beauty,  as  well  as  strength  and  security,  of  the 
whole  church.  Precious  is  Christ  in  all  his  offices  to 
them  that  believe:  a  sure  foundation  5  sure  to  all  the 
seed ;  certain  to  all  the  purposes  of  their  salvation. 
And,  as  the  Lord  the  Spirit  lays  this  foundation  in  the 
church  in  the  truth  of  doctrine,  so  also  in  the  faith  and 
experience  of  all  redeemed  souls. 

What  the  word  speaks  of  Jesus,  that  we  prove  and 
find  him  to  be.  This  is  our  mercy.  "  He  that  believeth 
shall  not  make  haste."  He  shall  possess  such  serenity 
and  composure  of  mind,  that  he  shall  not  be  frightened, 
in  times  of  distress  and  calamity,  to  quit  his  confidence  ; 
not  be  ashamed  of  his  hope  in  the  Lord.  Being  well 
satisfied  that  Jesus  reigns,  that  the  government  of  his 
church  is  upon  his  shoulders,  and  the  residue  of  the 
Spirit  with  him ;  he  will,  by  faith,  patiently  wait  and 
quietly  hope  for  the  fulfilment  of  every  promise.  Sin 
and  Satan  shall  not  overcome  him.  In  the  awful  hour 
of  death  he  shall  not  be  confounded,  because  his  heart 
standeth  fast,  believing  in  the  Lord.  And  when  Jesus 
his  Friend  appears,  he  shall  stand  forth  with  boldness  ; 
and  shall  find  an  abundant  entrance  into  the  presence  of 
God  and  the  Lamb,  to  live,  and  love,  and  reign  in  glory 
for  ever  and  ever.  "  Ye  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of 
the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  being  the  chief 
corner-stone."    Eph.  2:20. 


Mat  2. — But  the  Co})ifo7-t€r,  ivho  js  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom  the 
Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall  teach  you  xill  things, 
and  bring  all  things  to  your  reThemhrance,  whatsoever  I  have 
said  unto  you-     John,  14  :  26. 

Our  blessed  Lord  here  gives  us  the  clearest  discovery 
of  the  ever-glorious  three  persons  in  covenant  for  our 
salvation.  In  this  knowledge  lies  all  our  hope.  From 
this  belief  springs  all  our  comfort.     In  the  love  of  this 


MAY  2.  185 

is  our  heaven  upon  earth.  For  the  knowledge,  belief, 
and  love  of  this  truth,  we  are  wholly  indebted  to  the 
Comforter.  He  teaches  all  things  ;  not  by  a  new  revela- 
tion ;  but  he  graciously  instructs  and  comforts  us  by  the 
same  light  of  truth  and  love  which  beamed  in  the  first 
promise,  and  which  shone  brighter  and  brighter  in  pro- 
phecies, types,  and  shadows,  until  the  substance,  Jesus, 
was  come.  Then  the  canon  of  revealed  truth  was  com- 
pletfed  by  the  apostles,  under  the  teaching  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  The  substance  of  which  is,  what  Jesus  spake, 
did,  and  suffered  on  our  account,  as  our  substitute,  and 
for  our  salvation. 

It  is  the  peculiar  office  of  the  Spirit  to  glorify  Jesus 
and  to  sanctify  us.  This  he  does  by  the  word  of  truth : 
teaching  us  the  Father's  electing  love  in  Jesus,  and  di- 
recting our  eyes  to  him,  as  of  God  made  to  us  "  wisdom, 
righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption."  Let  no 
man  deceive  us  with  expectations  of  new  revelations 
from  heaven,  or  new  truths  to  comfort  us ;  but  ever 
hear  Paul,  "  Though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven, 
preach  any  other  Gospel  unto  you  than  that  ye  have  re- 
ceived, let  him  be  accursed."  Gal.  1 :  8. 

Let  us  prize  and  study  the  Gospel.  In  and  by  that  the 
Spirit  teaches  and  comforts.  In  everlasting  love,  and 
the  most  ancient  truth,  he  establishes  us.  We  are  poor 
sinners  from  day  to  day.  We  feel  many  things  in  and 
around  us  to  deject  and  distress  us.  When  we  remem 
ber  what  sin  hath  done  to  us,  brought  on  us,  and  exposed 
us  to,  we  are  in  fears  and  doubts  what  will  become  of 
us.  But  the  Comforter  brings  to  our  minds  the  trans- 
cendantly  rich  love  of  Jesus;  what  he  undertook,  spake, 
and  did  in  life,  suffered  in  death,  and  still  lives  to  plead 
for,  before  the  throne,  in  our  behalf.  0  the  heart- 
felt joy  of  this  !  He  relieves  our  minds,  and  refreshes 
our  spirits  by  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  So  he  teaches 
us  self-despair,  animates  us  to  go  on  in  the  path  of  holi- 


186  MAY  3. 

ness,  and  fortifies  us  to  withstand  all  that  is  against  us. 
"  Grieve  not  the  Uo\y  Spirit  of  God,  whereby  ye  are 
sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption."  Ephes.  4  :  30. 


May  3. —  Therefore,  brcthre?i,  ice  are  debtors,  not  to  the  fie sh,  to 
live  after  the  ficsh.  Romans,  8  :  12. 

Christianity  teaches  us  to  owe  no  man  any  thing.  He 
is  prudent  who  keeps  his  accounts  clear,  and  knows  to 
whom  he  is  indebted.  He  is  grateful,  who  owns  favors 
with  just  sentiments.  If  this  be  necessary  and  com- 
mendable in  the  economy  of  this  short  life,  how  much 
more  so  in  things  spiritual  and  eternal !  How  wise,  how 
just  to  render  to  all  their  dues  !  If  we  are  debtors  to 
the  flesh,  let  us  serve  that  j  but  if  to  the  Lord,  it  is  our 
duty  and  privilege  to  serve  him. 

What  owest  thou,  O  christian,  to  the  flesh  1  verily, 
neither  suit  nor  service.  But,  alas  !  thou  hast  obeyed 
its  sinful  motions,  gratified  its  corrupt  desires  ;  and  what 
hast  thou  reaped  but  shame  and  sorrow  %  These  are  the 
only  fruits  that  sin  and  folly  bear.  The  flesh,  with  its 
sinful  affections,  is  at  enmity  to  thy  God,  and  at  war 
against  thy  soul.  Willingly  to  give  place  to  such  an 
enemy,  to  live  after  the  desires  of  the  flesh,  will  most 
assuredly  weaken  thy  confidence  in  Jesus,  and  bring 
death  upon  thy  peace  and  comfort.  Yea,  "if  ye  live 
after  the  flesh  ye  shall  die."  Lord,  strengthen  us  daily 
to  deny  its  demands  and  mortify  its  lusts  !  for  we  are 
not  debtors  to  the  flesh,  but  to  the  Spirit.  Debtors,  in 
an  immense  sum  of  love  and  gratitude.  Time  can  never 
discharge  it.  We  shall  be  paying  this  debt  through  a 
never-ending  eternity. 

The  Gospel  is  no  licentious  doctrine.  True,  it  sets  at 
liberty,  but  it  is  from  the  most  galling  yoke,  and  most 
servile  drudgery  to  sin.  But  yet  it  binds  the  soul,  in 
sweetest  bands  of  grateful  service  and  loving  obedience, 


MAY  4.  187 

to  Jesus,  the  best  of  Masters.  What  owest  thou  to  the 
Spirit,  O  christian  1  write  upon  thy  heart,  "  Even  all 
my  present  peace,  all  my  future  hopes."  For  he  it  is 
who  convinced  thee  of  sin,  revealed  the  love  of  God  in 
Christ,  gave  thee  power  to  believe,  and  grace  to  re- 
pent. He  fills  thee  with  joy  and  peace  in  believing. 
He  bears  witness  with  thy  spirit,  and  assures  of  thine 
adoption  to  be  a  child  of  God ;  teaching  thee  to  mortify 
the  deeds  of  the  flesh,  to  love  thy  Saviour,  and  live  to 
his  glory. 

And  canst  thou  deliberately  grieve  this  blessed  inha- 
bitant, this  loving  Comforter,  by  yielding  service  to  thy 
inbred  enemy  1  O  with  what  fire  of  indignation,  with 
what  warmth  of  affection,  doth  Joseph  cry  out  under 
the  solicitations  of  a  strong  temptation,  How  can  I  do 
this  great  wickedness  1  and  what '? — sin  against  the  best 
of  masters  1  against  my  own  soul  1  no,  but  against  the 
Lord  my  God  ^.  Genesis,  39  :  9. 


May  4. — Casting  all  your  care  upon  him  ;  for  he  careth  for 
you.  1  Peter,  5  :  7. 
We  are  called  to  confess  Jesus  in  a  day  when  the 
fury  and  rage  of  persecution  are  restrained.  Bonds  and 
imprisonments  do  not  await  us.  Yet  we  must  not  think 
to  be  exempt  from  trials  and  difficulties  of  various 
kinds.  Our  adversary  is  not  dead.  The  corruptions  of 
our  hearts  are  alive,  and  daily  fight  against  us.  The 
love  of  Jesus  is  ever  accompanied  with  the  world's  ha- 
tred. His  people  are  not  mere  stoics.  Such  opposi- 
tion is  a  trial  to  them.  Sometimes  it  may  be  their  lot, 
like  the  disciples,  to  be  in  the  midst  of  a  sea  of  trou- 
bles, tossed  with  the  waves  of  difficulty ;  the  wind  of 
providence  appearing  contrary  ;  and,  to  the  eye  of  na- 
ture and  sense,  Jesus  seems  asleep  to  their  sorrows,  as 
though  his  kind  love  to  them  and    tender  care   over 


188  MAY  4. 

them  were  suspended.  Here  is  the  trial  of  our  faith. 
But  this  grace  never  consuUs  nature  and  appearances  ; 
it  looks  through  all,  to  the  everlasting  love  and  almigh- 
ty power  of  Jesus  ;  knowing  he  can  save  from  the  utter- 
most depth  of  distress,  and  raise  to  the  extremest  height 
of  comfort. 

Thus  triumphs  the  church  under  all  her  tribulations  : 
^'  I  will  look  unto  the  Lord  ;  I  will  wait  for  the  God  of 
my  salvation :  my  God  will  hear  me.  Rejoice  not 
against  me,  0  mine  enemy  :  when  I  fall,  I  shall  arise  ; 
when  I  sit  in  darkness,  the  Lord  shall  be  a  light  unto 
me."  Micah,  7  :  7,  8.  Sweet  confession  of  faith,  under 
most  discouraging  views.  For,  while  the  Lord  cares  for 
us,  what  can  harm  us  1  While  we  cast  our  every  care 
on  him,  we  obey  his  will,  honor  his  word,  and  he  fills 
our  hearts  with  peace.  How  composed  did  the  three 
children  of  faith  stand  before  the  wrathful  monarch  1 
How  easy  their  minds,  under  the  dreadful  threatening 
of  a  fiery  furnace  !  How  calm  their  reply !  "  0  king, 
we  are  not  careful  to  answer  thee  in  this  matter." 
The  Lord  careth  for  us.  We  cast  all  our  care  upon 
him. 

Ever  judge  of  Jesus'  care  for  sinners  by  his  love  to 
them.  Ever  remember,  while  we  were  enemies  his 
blood  atoned  for  our  sins.  Can  we  believe  his  love  to 
us,  and  doubt  his  care  for  us  ]  O  how  unreasonable  is 
unbelief!  But,  if  we  had  no  corruptions  to  conflict  with, 
no  troubles  to  exercise  us,  no  burdens  to  bow  us  down, 
no  cares  to  beset  us,  no  fears  to  attend  us,  a  great  part 
of  God's  word  w^ould  be  useless.  As  we  are  not  to  ex- 
pect total  freedom  from  these,  the  exhortations  of  the 
word  are  suited  to  our  state,  and  direct  to  a  loving 
Friend,  whose  kind  invitation  under  every  distress  is, 
"  Come  unto  me."    Matt.  11  :  28. 


MAY  5.  189 

May  5. — The  loorh  of  righteousness  shall  he  peace;  and  the 
effect  of  righteousness  quietness  and  assurance  for  ever. 
Isaiah,  32 :  17. 

The  light  of  this  day  assures  us  the  sun  is  risen  upon 
the  earth.  Here  is  not  a  more  evident  truth  in  nature 
than  this  in  reason,  that  righteousness  once  lost  can 
never  be  regained  by  all  that  sinful  man  can  do.  Con- 
sequently, no  peace  can  subsist  between  a  holy,  righte- 
ous God,  and  guilty,  unrighteous  man.  "  There  is  no 
peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the  wicked." 

But   who   are  the   wicked  %  Even  all  who,    through 
unbelief,  reject  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.     It  is  the  es- 
sence of  wickedness   to   oppose  a  righteous   God,   go 
about  to  establish  our  own  inherent  righteousness,  and 
not  submit  to  the  righteousness  of  Christ.    Hence  the 
conscience  is  defiled  with  guilt,  the  heart  impure,  and 
the  life  unholy.     Yet  pride  blinds  men's  eyes,  and  self- 
righteousness  deludes  their  hearts  with  a  false  peace 
For  as  there  is  but  one  atonement  by  which  guilty  sin 
ners   are   pardoned,  so  there  is  but  one  righteousness 
even  Christ's  perfect  righteousness,  by  which  alone  un 
righteous   sinners  are  made  righteous  in   God's  sight 
He  accepts  no  other.    His  law  is  honored  by  no  other 
The  Scriptures  reveal  no  other.  Faith  receives  no  other. 
The  Spirit  bears  witness  to  no  other.    Sinners  have  no 
other  to   stand  in  before  God,  and   enjoy  peace   with 
him.     But  possessing  this  righteousness  by  faith,  we 
enjoy  a  peace  which  passeth  all  understanding. 

There  are  many  things  from  a  sinful  nature,  Satan, 
and  the  law,  to  disquiet  our  minds  daily.  But  the  bless- 
ed effect  of  Jesus'  righteousness  is,  quietness  to  the 
conscience.  This  comforting  thought,  my  Father  hath 
accepted  me  through  the  righteousness  Avhich  my  glo- 
rious Redeemer  wrought  out  for  me,  quiets  my  mind. 
I  am  satisfied.  I  can  seek  no  better.  I  dare  trust  in  no 
other. 


190  MAY  6. 

And  this  righteousness  is  presented  with  the  clearest 
evidence,  the  strongest  confidence,  the  fullest  assurance. 
The  triumphs  of  Jesus'  resurrection  proclaim  its  accept- 
ance with  God.  The  Spirit  testifies  of  it  in  the  word, 
and  gives  assurance  of  salvation  by  it  in  believing 
liearts.  Hence  the  holy  boldness  and  happy  rejoicing  of 
faith  before  a  righteous  God.  David's  address  to 
Jesus  is,  "My  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  righteousness 
and  thy  salvation  all  the  day.  I  will  make  mention  of 
thy  righteousness,  even  of  thine  only."  Psalm  71  :  15, 
16.  As  there  is  but  one  faith,  so  saints  in  all  ages  had 
but  one  object  to  look  to  for  righteousness,  even  Jesus. 
Therefore,  with  holy  Paul,  we  pray  that  we  may  be 
found  in  Christ,  not  having  our  own  righteousness. 
Philippians,  3  :  9. 


May  6. — All  things  are  laicful  unto  me,  hut  all  things  are  not 
expedient.    1  Corinthians,  6:12. 

The  constraints  of  love  and  the  jealousy  of  fear 
sweetly  unite  in  believing  hearts.  Where  the  faith  of 
Jesus  prevails  love  constrains.  It  holds  and  keeps  us  in 
our  station  and  duty.  What  cheerfulness  and  activity 
of  soul  do  we  experience  when  we  can  say  with  the 
church,  Jesus'  "  banner  over  me  was  love  1"  Song,  2  :  4'. 
Then  how  sweetly  do  we  judge  and  determine  our  con- 
duct by  the  law  of  Christ,  which  is  love  !  This  excites 
a  godly  fear  lest  we  should  allow  ourselves  a  latitude 
in  things  indifl^erent,  to  the  wounding  of  our  souls  or 
injuring  our  brethren.  Though  all  things,  of  an  indif- 
ferent nature,  which  are  innocent  in  themselves,  are 
lawful  to  us,  yet  the  cause  and  interest  of  our  dear  Sa- 
viour, and  the  good  and  edifying  of  his  beloved  mem- 
bers, should  be  ever  near  our  hearts,  and  make  us  con- 
sider their  expediency. 

How  narrow  is  the  path  of  duty  !  yet  is  it  pleasant  to 


MAY  7.  191 

the  faithful.  For  Jesus  hath  strewed  it  with  the  fragrant 
fruits  of  peace,  love,  and  comfort.  Peace  from  God,  and 
with  our  brethren.  Love  to  God  and  one  another. 
While  we  walk  according  to  this  rule,  we  bring  glory 
to  God,  who  hath  called  us  by  Christ  to  glory ;  and 
will  also,  assuredly,  glorify  us  together  with  himself. 
What  circumspection  becomes  us  m  our  daily  walk  that 
we  give  none  offence  ;  neither  to  the  Jew,  nor  to  the 
Gentile,  nor  to  the  church  of  God. 

The  eyes  not  only  of  God,  angels,  and  devils  are  up 
on  us  ;  but  the  eyes  of  men  also,  our  brethren,  and  our 
opposers.  Did  the  Rechabites  wholly  abstain  from 
wine  because  Jonadab  commanded,  "  Ye  shall  drink  no 
wine  V  Did  the  Lord  honor  their  obedience  in  this  in- 
different thing  with  his  approbation!  Jer.  .35.  How 
much  more  will  Jesus  honor  his  disciples,  who,  with  an 
eye  to  his  glory  and  his  members'  good,  abstain  from 
things  that  are  not  expedient !  Thou  free-man  of  the 
Lord,  with  a  holy  resolution,  assert  thy  dignity.  I  will 
not  be  brought  under  the  power  of  any  thing  contrary 
to  the  love  of  Jesus.  Happy  is  he  who  seeketh  not  to 
please  himself,  but  profit  others.  How  then  can  those 
answer  to  the  Lord  Christ,  their  own  souls,  and  their 
brethren,  who  indulge  themselves  at  card-tables,  play- 
houses, &c.  and  say,  "  These  are  indifferent  things  ;  I 
see  no  harm  in  them  1"  Is  this  following  ^'  after  the 
things  which  make  for  peace,  and  wherewith  one  may 
edify  another  ]  Happy  is  he  that  condemneth  not  him- 
self in  that  thing  which  he  alloweth."    Rom.  14  :  19,  22. 


May  l.—  What  doest  thou  here,  Elijah  ?    1  Kings,  19  :  13. 

Prophets,  as  well  as  God's  people,  may  be  found 
where  they  ought  not  to  be.  Elijah  had  now  taken  up 
his  residence  in  a  cave  in  the  wilderness.  What  work 
could  he  do  for  his  Master  here  1  what  glory  bring  to 


192  MAY  7. 

his  name  in  a  barren  mountain  1  Here  were  no  lambs  of 
God's  flock  to  be  gathered ;  no  sheep  of  Christ's  pas- 
ture to  be  fed  ;  no  torn  sheep  to  be  healed,  and  nour- 
ished by  his  word  and  doctrine.  It  seems  as  if  he 
thought  all  his  work  was  at  an  end  ;  his  zeal  quite  de 
cayed  j  and  in  a  fit  of  fear,  unbelief,  and  despondency, 
he  retreated  from  public  opposition  to  the  dreary  man- 
sions of  a  mountainous  cave,  for  rest  and  quiet.  But  the 
Lord  followed  him  j  calls  him  to  new  work ;  endues 
him  with  fresh  strength ;  and  animates  him  with  the 
pleasing  assurance  that  he  had  seven  thousand  faithful 
servants  yet  in  Israel :  for  poor  Elijah  thought  he  was 
left  alone. 

See  the  effect  of  judging  according  to  appearances. 
Carnal  reason  is  a  bad  judge  in  spiritual  things.  The 
wisdom  of  the  flesh  is  contrary  to  the  wisdom  of  God. 
Beware  of  your  frames,  O  disciples.  If  on  the  mount, 
in  the  sunshine  of  comfort,  be  not  vain  and  confident, 
with  "  I  shall  never  fall."  If  in  the  gloomy  vale,  where 
light  and  joy  are  obscured,  be  not  dejected.  "  The 
Lord  reigneth.  Eejoice  in  him."  Though  clouds  and 
darkness  are  round  thy  God  and  Saviour,  yet  "righ- 
teousness and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  his 
throne."    Psalm  97. 

Above  all,  beware  of  thy  conduct.  Fly  not  to  places 
of  sinful  vanity  and  earthly  pleasures.  These  can  never 
profit  thy  soul.  Nay,  if  dark  and  uncomfortable,  thou 
wilt  be  darker  and  more  uncomfortable.  This  is  a  farther 
remove  from  the  Saviour's  love  and  presence.  What 
canst  thou  expect  but  this  cutting  reproof,  this  keen 
interrogation,  '^  What  doesi  thou  here  ?"  Was  Elijah  re- 
proved for  being  in  a  barren  wilderness  %  how  canst 
thou  answer  it  to  thy  loving  Saviour  for  being  found  on 
worse  than  barren  ground  ;  where  the  alluring  baits  of 
sin,  the  poisonous  weeds  of  Satan,  grow  in  abundance 
to  poison   and  destroy  unstable  souls  1     Hear  the  call 


MAY  8.  193 

of  thy  beloved  Lord.  ''Depart  ye,  depart  ye,  this  is 
not  your  rest."  Know  your  glorious  privilege  %  "  Ye 
are  the  temple  of  the  living  God  ;  God  dwells  in  you 
and  walks  in  you."  Listen  to  his  voice.  "  Come  out 
from  among  them,  and  be  ye  separate ;  and  I  will  re- 
ceive you  ;  will  be  a  Father  unto  you  j  ye  shall  be  my 
sons  and  daughters,  saith  the  Lord  Almighty."  2.  Cor. 
6  :  17,  18. 


May  8. — Let  us  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth 
so  easily  beset  us.     Heb.  12 :  1. 

Christian,  thou  art  called  to  run  a  race.  The  eyes  of 
innumerable  spectators  are  upon  thee.  The  powers  of 
many  enemies  are  against  thee.  But  fear  not.  In  the 
strength  of  Jesus,  through  the  power  of  faith,  thou  shalt 
obtain  the  prize  ;  even  the  salvation  of  thy  soul.  It  is 
thy  wisdom  to  know  thy  foes,  and  guard  against  them  ; 
to  know  thine  own  vileness  and  weakness,  and  look  to 
thy  Friend  for  power. 

Thou  hast  a  heavy  burden,  which  hinders  thy  running 
with  alacrity  and  delight ;  this,  in  the  exercise  of  faith, 
thou  must  lay  aside  ;  therefore  "  put  off  the  old  man 
with  his  deeds."  This,  through  the  Spirit,  is  to  be  thy 
daily  work.  Every  sin  is  a  weight,  and  as  such  is  to  be 
laid  aside.  "  The  body  of  sin"  is  a  sore  burden,  there- 
fore to  be  put  off.  But  thou  hast  a  besetting  sin.  Thine 
own  conscience  best  knows  its  name  and  nature.  This 
thou  art  called  to  lay  aside.  In  the  nature  of  all  men 
there  is  one  sin,  a  master  sin,  the  source  and  spring  of 
every  other  sin,  which  even  believers  are  not  exempt 
from ;  but  it  is  ready,  at  all  times,  easily  to  beset  them. 
It  is  that  monster  of  iniquity,  unbelief. 

"  Faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  and  the 
evidence  of  things  not  seen."  Heb.  11:1.  In  this  chapter 
we  see  what  glory  is  given  to  God,  and  what  wonders 
were  wrought  by  faith.     It  is  the  nature  of  unbelief  to 

S.  Treasuiy.  q 


194  MAY  9. 

deny  the  substance  of  what  is  hoped  for,  and  to  oppose 
the  evidence  of  invisible  realities.  It  tends  to  make 
faint  hearts,  weak  knees,  and  feeble  hands.  It  stops  us 
from  running  our  race.  And  we  should  give  up,  and 
give  over  all,  but  that  Jesus  prays  for  us ;  and  we  are 
endued  with  power  from  on  high.  But,  glory  to  him, 
he  does  pray  for  us,  therefore  our  faith  fails  not :  we 
are  strengthened  by  the  Spirit's  might  in  the  inner  man 
to  endure  unto  the  end. 

Yet,  shame  to  us,  instead  of  laying  aside  this  sin, 
how  often  do  we  treat  it  as  a  bosom  friend  !  How  fre- 
quently consult  it  as  a  sweet  counsellor  !  especially 
when  its  arguments  are  backed  by  its  constant  com- 
panion, carnal  reason.  But,  being  assured  the  matter 
of  our  faith  is  the  word  of  truth  ;  the  author  and  finisher 
of  our  faith,  Jesus;  we  are  not  called  to  answer  cavils 
from  carnal  reason ;  nor  to  silence  unbelief  by  explain- 
ing the  mysteries  of  godliness  ;  but  to  lay  it  aside  ;  put 
it  off  as  David  did  Saul's  armor  ;  put  it  away  as  men  do 
childish  things  ;  and  run  with  patience  the  race  set  be- 
fore us,  ''  looking  unto  Jesus." 

"  By  glimmering  hopes  and  gloomy  fears 

"  We  trace  the  sacred  road ; 
"  Through  dismal  deeps  and  dangerous  snares 

"  We  make  our  way  to  God. 


"  Inviting  us  to  come  ! 
There  Jesus,  the  forerunner,  waits 
•'  To  welcome  travelers  home." 


May  9.^That  I  may  know  him.  Phil.  3  :  10. 

"  There  are  three  things  that  are  never  satisfied,  yea, 
four  say  not.  It  is  enough."  Prov.  30  :  15.  This  is  true 
of  the  fire  of  love,  when  kindled  in  believing  hearts. 
It  burns  with  insatiable  desire  towards  Jesus.  Amazing  ! 
Had  Paul  so  long  known,  loved,  and  preached  a  crucified, 


MAY  9.  195 

risen  Saviour,  and  yet  now  desires  to  know  himl  Yes. 
Such  is  tiie  nature  of  faith,  that  like  riches  to  a  miser, 
the  more  tliey  increase  the  more  the  desires  of  his  heart 
increase  after  them.  His  wants  are  greater  than  his 
possessions. 

So  the  living  members  of  precious  Christ  see  such 
inexhaustible  treasures  in  him,  their  living  Head,  and 
such  numerous  wants  in  themselves,  that  their  hearts 
are  ever  crying  after,  looking  to  and  longing  for  more 
of  his  presence,  blessings  and  comforts  in  knowledge 
and  experience.  And,  like  a  chaste  virgin  espoused  to 
an  affectionate  lover,  her  heart  will  never  be  completely 
satisfied  till  she  is  brought  into  the  nearest  relation, 
when  she  takes  up  her  abode  and  enjoys  the  presence 
of  the  object  of  her  love.  Lovers  of  Christ  can  never 
be  satisfied  with  any  other  but  him  ;  nor  will  they  be 
fully  satisfied,  nor  perfectly  happy,  till  they  are  for  ever 
present  with  their  ever-loving  Lord. 

But  the  knowledge  of  Him,  even  now,  creates  a  para- 
dise of  peace,  a  heaven  of  love  and  holiness  in  the  soul. 
Hence  there  is  a  godly  jealousy  in  espoused  souls,  lest 
other  objects  should  steal  upon  their  affections.  If  at 
any  time  their  eyes  have  been  turned  from  the  Lord,, 
there  is  a  holy  shame  ;  they  blush  at  their  folly  and  cry, 
O  that  I  may  know  Him  who  rests  in  his  constant  love 
to  me  a  poor  sinner.  In  this  consists  the  life  and  joy 
of  the  heart,  to  know  that  Jesus  hath  made  peace  for 
us  by  the  blood  of  his  cross ;  that  he  hath  wrought  out 
a  robe  of  righteousness,  by  the  obedience  of  his  life,  to 
adorn  us  ;  and  that  he  ever  lives  to  pray  for  us  :  yea, 
daily,  constantly  to  know  him,  as  dwelling  in  my  heart 
by  faith,  ever  present  with  me,  to  the  joy  of  my  mind, 
and  to  the  peace  of  my  conscience. 

And  truly,  beloved,  if  we  are  not  kept  thus  knowing 
Jesus,  looking  to  and  feeding  upon  him  continually  in 
our  heart  by  faith,  we  shall  know  and  feel   that  other 


196  .  MAY  10. 

things  will  creep  in,  and  sadly  distress  our  mind.  The 
voice  of  the  law  will  be  heard  in  our  conscience,  backed 
by  Satan's  injections,  and  we  shall  find  anguish  of  spirit 
and  bitterness  of  soul.  But  sweetly  abiding  in  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus,  by  faith,  we  manfully  stand  our 
ground,  and  courageously  conquer  and  triumph.  So 
shall  "  grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  through  the  know- 
ledge of  God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  2  Pet.  1  :  2. 


May  10. — Work  out  your  oivn  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling, 
Philippians,  2 :  12. 

Salvation,  from  first  to  last,  is  all  of  grace :  not  of 
works.  Rom.  11:6.  It  was  planned  in  the  covenant  of 
grace.  It  is  finished  by  the  grace  of  Christ.  The  mo- 
ment we  believe  on  him,  salvation  is  ours. 

Why  are  we  called  to  work  it  out  1  Consider,  salva- 
tion implies  deliverance  from  dangers  and  enemies.  We 
are  surrounded  with  these  without,  as  w^ell  as  within. 
The  legality  of  our  spirits,  pride  of  our  natures,  lusts  of 
our  flesh,  rebellion  of  our  wills,  self-righteousness  of 
our  hearts,  worldly-mindedness  of  our  desires,  carnality 
of  our  aflrections,turbulency  of  our  passions,  and  unbe- 
lief, the  offspring  of  all  ,•  say,  are  not  these  like  a  legion 
of  enemies  to  our  salvation  1  Is  not  Satan  ever  work- 
ing, by  means  of  all  these,  to  bring  us  into  dangers  and 
distress,  if  by  any  means  he  may  prevent  our  peaceably 
possessing  and  eternally  enjoying  salvation  1 

Judge  then,  O  believer,  is  there  not  necessity  for 
working  out  thy  deliverance  from  their  force  and  fraud  % 
Is  there  not  constant  need  for  faith  to  work  by  love  ; 
striving  against  sin  ;  resisting  Satan  ;  mortifying  the 
flesh  ;  perfecting  holiness  ;  thus  producing  Truitfulness 
in  good  works'?  The  commands  of  thy  God  make  the 
work  of  faith,  the  labor  of  love,  and  the  patience  of  hope 
necessary.    The  Gospel  requires,  love  constrains  to  be 


MAY  11.  197 

much  in  prayer,  meditation,  searching  the  Scriptures, 
and  all  holy  ordinances.  And  to  encourage  to  this,  ever 
remember,  it  is  '^  God  who  worketh  in  us  both  to  will 
and  to  do."  Be  strong,  for  I  am  with  you,  saith  the 
Lord  of  Hosts.  Haggai,  2  :  4. 

Does  thy  happiness  consist  in  enjoying  the  full  assu- 
rance of  this  salvation  1  then  ''  work  it  out  with  fear 
and  trembling."  Fear  to  think  of  establishing  thy 
works  and  duties,  as  thy  righteousness,  to  procure 
God's  favor.  Tremble  to  entertain  any  hope  of  salva- 
tion but  by  the  atoning  blood  and  perfect  righteousness 
of  Jesus ;  any  way  of  access  to  God  but  through  his 
mediation-  Fear  and  tremble,  above  all,  after  thou  hast 
done  all,  to  think  I  am  perfect.  Know  thou  art  still  "  an 
unprofitable  servant."  Tremble  at  the  thought  that  thy 
might,  power,  faithfulness,  procure  for  thee  salvation. 
Fear  ever  to  ascribe  any  glory  to  thyself.  "  Whoso 
looketh  into  the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  and  continueth 
therein,  he  being  not  a  forgetful  hearer,  but  a  doer 
of  the  work,  this  man  shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed." 
James,  1 :  25. 


May  1 1. — Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  set 

your  good  works^  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  m  heaven. 

Matt.  5:16. 

Can  sinful  man,  a  worm  of  the  earth,  a  creature  of  a 
day,  glorify  the  infinitely  great  and  eternally  glorious 
Jehovah  1  Yes:  such  honor,  such  exalted  honor  have 
all  his  saints.  For  his  glory  they  were  created  at  first. 
For  his  glory  they  are  created  anew  in  Christ.  He 
commands  all  his  members  to  this,  as  their  bounden 
duty  ;  the  Spirit  enables  to  it,  as  their  greatest  privilege. 
The  Father  accepts,  is  well  pleased  with,  and  declares 
himself  glorified  by,  the  praises  of  his  children.  Psalm 
50:23. 

Did  Samuel  consent  to  Saul's  request,  "Honor  me 


198  MAY  11. 

now,  I  pray  thee,  before  the  elders  of  my  people ;"  1 
Sam.  15  :  30,  and  canst  thou,  O  Son  of  the  Most  High, 
ever  need  a  motive,  or  want  an  argument  to  glorify  thy 
Father  before  men  1  It  is  to  be  the  chief  work  of  thy 
life.  In  this  work,  as  Moses  said  to  Pharaoh,  so  thy 
Deliverer  saith  to  thee,  "  not  an  hoof  is  to  be  left  be- 
hind." With  all  thou  hast  and  art,  thou  art  to  glorify 
thy  Lord. 

For  thou  hast  only  one  thing  but  what  thou  hast  re- 
ceived from  thy  Lord  :  this  is  sin.  By  this  thou  dis- 
honorest  God.  By  every  thing  contrary  to  this  God  is 
glorified.  Happy  souls,  who  study  God's  word  as  the 
rule  of  their  conduct,  consider  the  enjoyment  of  God 
in  Christ  their  greatest  felicity,  and  direct  all  their  views 
to  his  glory.  Thus,  when  the  light  of  Jesus  shines  into 
the  heart,  it  beams  forth  its  evidence  and  glory  in  the 
outward  life  and  conversation.  When  the  light  of  truth 
is  accompanied  by  the  warmth  of  love  and  the  obedi- 
ence of  faith,  men  will  see  we  hare  been  with  Jesus : 
that  we  not  only  have  light  in  our  heads,  but  love  and 
zeal  for  God's  glory  in  our  hearts.  The  former  may 
acquire  honor  to  ourselves  of  being  good  talkers  for 
God  J  but  the  latter,  only,  can  prove  that  we  live  up- 
rightly, as  his  obedient  children  ;  that  we  are  his  "  pecu- 
liar people,  by  being  zealous  of  good  works;"  that  we 
really  are  concerned  for  his  glory — have  it  at  heart ;  that 
we  love  not  only  in  word,  but  also  in  deed  and  in  truth. 
The  genuine  language  of  a  converted  soul  is  that  of 
Paul,  "  Lord,  what  wouldst  thou  have  me  to  do1"  It  is 
the  burden  of  a  faithful,  loving  heart,  that  it  does  so 
little  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  it  ever  longs  to  glorify 
him  more.  While  the  light  of  truth  is  our  glory,  and 
the  love  of  truth  our  happiness,  we  shall  study  to 
"  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things.'* 
Titus,  2:10. 


MAY  12.  199 

May  12.— Grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.  Eph.  4  :  ?/). 
How  affectionate  and  condescending  is  this  address 
of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour  to  his  children !  Paul 
Avrites  to  Philemon,  '^  Though  I  might  be  bold  to  enjoin 
thee  that  which  is  convenient;  yet,  for  love's  sake,  I 
rather  beseech  thee."  So,  with  infinitely  higher  autho 
rity,  the  Lord  might  command  with  terror,  instead  ot 
beseeching  with  love.  Astonishing  expression  !  '^  Grieve 
not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God."  Hast  thou  been,  canst 
thou,  O  believer,  be  guilty  in  this  matter  1  It  is  easy  to 
conceive  that  we  may  grieve  our  own  spirits,  and  the 
spirits  of  good  men,  by  our  sin  and  folly  ;  but  to  think 
of  grieving  the  Spirit  of  God,  is  enough  to  make  us  cry 
out  in  amazement,  What  mystery  of  love  is  this  ! 

But  verily,  so  dear  are  God's  children  to  him,  that  as, 
in  love  to  us,  he  took  our  nature;  so,  in  condescension 
to  our  weak  capacities,  he  borrows  language  from  nature, 
and  assumes  to  himself  passions  like  ours  :  for  he  was 
in  all  things  like  unto  us,  but  without  sin.  So  it  is  said, 
God  delights  in  the  prosperity  of  his  people,  he  rejojceth 
over  them  to  do  them  good.  But  when,  through  sin  and 
folly,  they  hurt  their  own  souls,  Jesus  is  touched  with  a 
feeling  of  our  infirmities ;  his  Spirit  is  grieved  at  oui 
conduct. 

Who  can  tell  in  how  many  ways  christians  da  this  1 
Inwardly,  by  giving  way  to  unbelief;  by  low,  unworthy 
thoughts  of  Jesus,  his  blood,  righteousness,  and  salva- 
tion ;  his  mediation  and  intercession,  of  whom  the  Spirit 
is  the  glorifier  :  so  also,  by  indulging  vain,  carnal,  sinful 
thoughts.  Outwardly,  by  neglecting  the  Gospel  of  grace  ; 
not  walking  closely  with  Jesus  by  faith  ;  not  conforming 
to  his  will  in  our  lives  and  conversation. 

And  experience  wofully  convinceth,  that  when  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  grieved  the  soul  is  distressed.  We  never 
send  the  Spirit  grieved  to  heaven,  but  he  leaves  our 
spirits  grieved  on  earth.    He  is  our  Comforter.    By  him 


200  MAY  13. 

believers  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption.  Though 
we  are  sealed  by  him  as  the  Lord's  own  possession,  yet 
if  he  leaves  us  to  ourselves,  the  view  of  Jesus  is  obscur- 
ed to  us,  and  his  comforts  withheld  from  us.  Then  na- 
tural fears,  legal  terrors  and  desponding  doubts  seize 
on  us,  and  evil  spirits  rejoice  over  us,  with  '^  There, 
there,  so  would  we  have  it."  Though  he  never  becomes 
the  spirit  of  bondage  to  us,  yet  he  leaves  us  to  the  bond- 
age of  our  own  legal  spirits.  What  reason  have  we  to 
pray  daily.  Cleanse  us,  O  Jesus,  from  our  secret  faults ; 
and  let  not,  O  Spirit,  presumptuous  sins  get  the  domi- 
nion over  me !    Psalm  19  :  12,  13. 

"  The  Spirit,  like  a  peaceful  dove, 
"  Flies  from  the  realms  of  noise  and  strife  ; 

"  Why  should  we  vex  and  grieve  his  love, 
"  Who  seals  our  souls  to  heavenly  life  V 


Mat  13. — I  rejoice  at  thy  zcord,  as  one  that  find eth  great  spoil. 
Psalm  119:162. 

The  saints  of  God  in  all  ages  were  taught  by  the  same 
Spirit,  looked  for  the  same  salvation,  and  were  comfort- 
ed by  the  same  truths  of  God's  word.  Hence  the  word 
is  so  precious  to  them  j  for  it  causes  their  souls  to  rejoice. 
Thus  it  is  of  the  written  word  of  the  Lord,  which  makes 
known  his  everlasting,  loving  designs  to  sinners  of 
mankind. 

This  also  is  true  of  the  essential,  divine  and  uncrea- 
ted Word,  the  Lord  Jesus.  He,  in  person,  manifested 
God's  thoughts  of  love,  as  words  declare  what  is  in  the 
mind.  Jesus  lay  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father  from  eter- 
nity. He  has  revealed  the  Father's  eternal  love  to  us. 
He  who  findcth  Jesus,  will  rejoice  indeed.^  With  joy 
says  Philip,  ''  We  have  found  him  of  whom  Moses  in 
the  law  and  the  prophets  did  write."   John,  1  :  45. 

Hath  a  conqueror  cause  for  rejoicing  who  hath  ob- 
tained a  complete  victory  over  and  is  enriching  himself 


MAY  13.  201 

with  the  spoils  of  a  wealthy  enemy  1  how  much  greater 
has  the  christian  daily  from  the  word  of  the  Lord! 
Alas  !  the  joy  of  the  one  is  but  momentary  and  uncer- 
tain. What  he  hath  gained  in  war  to-day,  he  may  be 
deprived  of  to-morrow.  But  joy  through  the  victory  of 
Jesus,  and  the  spoils  the  christian  reaps  from  his  word, 
are  durable  and  eternal.  The  victory  of  Christ  Jesus  is 
the  christian's  spoil.  Here  he  beholds  sin  subdued,  death 
conquered,  Satan  vanquished,  hell  overcome,  and  a 
crown  of  eternal  life  and  glory,  which  shall  be  enjoyed. 

In  the  written  word  of  the  Spirit  are  given  unto  us 
"  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises."  In  the  essen 
tial  Word  Jesus  "  all  the  promises  are  yea  and  Amen 
to  the  glory  of  God."  By  the  former  we  understand 
^*  what  is  the  hope  of  our  calling,  and  what  the  riches 
of  the  glory  of  our  inheritance  in  th^  saints."  By  union 
with  Jesus  and  faith  in  him,  we  obtain  the  happy  as- 
surance that  all  things  are  oursa  "  Whether  the  world, 
life,  death,  things  present,  or  things  to  come,  all  are 
yours,  and  ye  are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's."  1  Co- 
rinthians, 3  :  22,  23.  And  '^  nothing  shall  be  able  to  sepa- 
rate from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus," 
Romans,  8  :  39. 

Blessed  be  God  for  the  word  of  his  grace,  the  Bible  , 
and  for  his  unspeakable  gift,  Jesus.  Here  is  thy  trea- 
sure, O  christian  :  where  should  thy  heart  be,  but  in 
meditation  and  delight  herein  daily  1  For  thou  canst 
get  spiritual  joy  from  no  object  but  Christ  set  before 
thee  in  the  Gospel.  The  clearer  thou  seest  salvation  by 
him,  the  stronger  will  be  thy  faith  in  him.  "Rejoice  in 
the  Lord  alway."  Phil.  4  :  4, 

"  How  doth  thy  word  my  heart  engag;e ! 

"  How  well  employ  my  tongue  ! 
"  And  in  my  tiresome  pilgrimags 

*'  Yields  me  a  heavenly  song." 

9* 


202  MAY  14. 

May  14. — This  same  Jesus,  which  is  taken  up  from  you  into 
heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have  seen  him  go 
into  heaven.     Acts,  1 :  11. 

The  parting  of  dear  friends  is  grievous  and  affecting ; 
but  sorrow  is  alleviated  by  the  hope  of  meeting  again 
O  the  joy  of  meeting  our  dear  friends  in  glory  who  are 
gone  before !  But  what  will  heighten  all  will  be  the 
sight  and  enjoyment  of  our  best  Friend  and  dearest 
Saviour.  The  disciples  were  looking  steadfastly  to 
heaven  after  their  dear  Master,  ascending  to  glory, 
when  they  received  this  assurance.  They  saw  his  hu- 
man form,  the  same  dear  man,  their  beloved  companion, 
with  whom  they  had  so  often  ate  and  drank,  taken  sweet 
counsel,  and  who  was  lately  crucified,  dead,  and  buried — 
this  very  man  Jesus,  they  saw  ascend.  The  Son  of  God 
came  from  heaven  ;  assumed  a  body  of  flesh  and  blood  ; 
lived  in  it  on  earth,  and,  having  "  finished  the  work  his 
Father  gave  him  to  do,"  he  took  the  same  body  with 
him  to  glory.  This  same  Jesus  shall  so  come  again  in 
like  manner.  Every  eye  shall  see  him  in  the  last  day 
in  his  human  form. 

Thus,  in  all  the  transactions  of  Jesus,  we  behold  by 
faith  the  Man.  View  him  in  his  birth,  an  outcast  babe  in 
poverty.  In  advanced  years,  "  a  man  of  sorrows  and 
acquainted  with  grief,  despised  and  rejected  of  men." 
He  died  as  another  man  j  yea,  an  accursed  death,  as  a 
malefactor.  He  rose  and  ascended  with  a  human  body 
like  our  own.  Such,  believer,  was  thy  Saviour,  a  man 
like  unto  thyself  in  all  things,  but  without  sin.  And 
having  perfectly  expiated  and  atoned  for  all  our  sins, 
he  is  now  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  the  glorified  man 
still,  in  human  form  pleading  our  cause. 

God  is  in  Christ.  Thou  canst  not  come  tci  the  Deity 
but  through  the  humanity  of  Jesus.  Mind  that.  How 
sweet  and  encouraging  this  to  faith,  that  our  Saviour, 
our   Brother,  our  Friend,  is    in   our  nature   before  the 


MAY  15.  203 

throne  1  "He  ever  lives;  he  is  able  to  save."  And 
canst  thou  ever  doubt  either  his  love  or  willingness  1 
O,  remember  Calvary!  think  of  his  agony  and  blood- 
shedding  there.  Canst  thou  want  a  proof  of  his  love, 
poor  sinner  1  If  thou,  whilst  an  enemy,  wast  redeemed 
and  reconciled  to  God  by  his  blood,  how  much  more, 
being  reconciled,  shalt  thou  be  saved  by  his  life  !  It  is 
thy  happiness  to  be  ever  looking  upon  and  unto  Jesus, 
as  the  Man  and  Mediator  by  whom  thou  comest  to  God  : 
be  looking  for  him,  to  see  him  in  his  glorified  form. 
"  He  shall  come  again  in  like  manner  ;"  "  to  be  glorified 
in  his  saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  who  believe." 
2  Thess.  1 :  10. 


May  15. — Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to  you. 
James,  4 ;  8. 

How  sweetly  is  the  children's  duty  and  the  Father''s 
promise  united !  the  latter  is  a  most  powerful  encou- 
ragement to  the  former.  Though  we  were  "  sometime 
afar  off,  yet  being  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,"  we 
are  exhorted  to  draw  nigh  to  God  in  prayer  and  full 
assurance  of  faith  ;  "  faithful  is  He  who  hath  promised," 
he  will  draw  nigh  to,  and  bless  us.  To  live  near  God  is 
our  heaven  below :  to  experience  a  distance  from  him 
our  misery. 

We  cannot  draw  nigh  to  God  but  in  the  way  he  has 
drawn  nigh  to  us  ;  this  is  in  the  humanity  of  his  Son.  In 
all  approaches  to  God,  consider  this.  Jesus,  and  God  in 
him,  is  the  object  of  our  faith.  All  other  objects  drawn 
nigh  to,  will  leave  the  soul  in  a  painful  sense  of  distance 
Tom  the  true  God  and  real  comfort.  Happy,  only  hap- 
py canst  thou  be,  whilst  daily  living  in  close  communion 
and  near  fellovv^ship  with  God  thy  Saviour.  While  the 
terrors  of  the  law  drive  legal  spirits  to  duty,  to  fulfil 
terms  of  acceptance  ;  evangelical  promises  ever  sweetly 


204  MAY  16. 

constrain,  and  encourage  to  every  duty,  those  who  "  are 
not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace." 

To  live  in  neglect  of  duty  and  God's  ordinances,  is 
licentiousness ;  but,  to  be  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the 
Lord,  is  christian  liberty:  here  is  our  mercy,  we  have 
a  sure  way  of  access ;  by  Jesus  we  draw  nigh  5  in  him 
God  and  man  meet ;  the  Holy  Spirit  is  our  strength ; 
'Spraying  in  the  Holy  Ghost."  As  it  is  the  office  of 
Christ  to  intercede /or  us,  so  the  Holy  Ghost  intercedes 
in  us.  As  an  advocate  within,  he  enables  us  to  plead,  in 
faith,  what  Jesus  is  to  us,  and  hath  done  for  us.  So  we 
speak  with  confidence  to  our  dear  Father :  the  Spirit 
helps  in  prayer,  as  a  nurse  does  a  little  child  that  is  un- 
able to  go  of  itself;  or,  as ^a  weak,  decrepit  person  is 
upheld  by  the  arm. 

Here  is  our  word  of  promise,  "  God  will  draw  nigh  to 
you."  This  is  our  happiness  below,  our  heaven  on  earth, 
to  have  access  to  the  God  of  mercies ;  and  for  the 
Father  of  all  consolations  to  draw  nigh  to  us.  Not  mere- 
ly to  draw  nigh  to  duty,  but  to  God  in  duty  ;  to  find  and 
feel  the  special  presence  and  blessing  of  the  Lord.  With- 
out this,  loving  hearts  cannot  be  satisfied.  Communion 
with  God,  finding  nearness  of  spirit,  delightful  inter- 
course with  God,  and  receiving  inward  peace  and  love 
from  him ;  0,  this  is  the  glory  of  the  life  of  faith,  and 
draws  us  from,  and  makes  us  dead  to  all  things  beside. 
When  God,  and  Christ,  and  heaven  are  within,  all  with- 
out becomes  truly  mean  and  despicable  in  comparison. 
"  It  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near  to  God."  Ps.  73 :  28. 


May  16. — I  am  crucified  with  Christ :  nevertheless  1  live  ;  yet 
not  7,  hut  Christ  liveth  in  me :  and  the  life  lohichl  live  in  the 
flesh  I  live  hy  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and 
gave  himself  for  me.— G?\.  2  :  20. 
The   state   of  a  Christian  is  a  seeming  paradox.  No 


MAY  16.     '  205 

marvel  the  things  of  God  are  foolishness  to  natural  men, 
and  that  they  account  us  fools  for  Christ.  For  the  truths 
of  God,  as  well  as  the  life  of  his  children,  appear  absurd 
to  them.  But  the  life  of  Jesus  is  made  manifest  in  our 
flesh.  2  Cor.  4  :  11.  Hence  he  saith,  ''If  any  man  will 
come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself;"  Matt.  16  :  24  ; 
deny  the  pride  of  his  own  righteousness,  the  corrupt 
lusts  of  his  sinful  flesh,  and  own  me  as  his  life,  and  fol- 
low me  as  his  Lord,  in  the  regeneration.  This  crucifixion 
of  nature  is  death  to  every  hope  but  Jesus.  This  life  of 
faith  on  him  consists  in  peace,  love,  holiness,  and  joy. 
This  springs  from  love,  excites  love,  a?7.d  is  nourished 
by  love.  So  we  enjoy  heaven  below.  This  is  heaven 
above  insured  to  us. 

Blessed  life !  happy  believer,  to  feel  Christ  living  in 
thee,  to  live  on  him  by  faith.  Envy  you,  ye  sons  of 
folly  and  vanity,  we  do  not.  Join  with  you  in  your 
carnal  delights  we  cannot  ;  joys  infinitely  superior  are 
ours.  Pity  you,  indeed  we  do.  Nor  with  you,  ye  sons 
of  the  bond-woman,  can  we  live  on  our  works  and 
duties,  derive  life  from  terms  we  fulfil,  as  if  for  so  much 
work  we  earn  so  much  wages.  Our  God  owes  us  no- 
thing ;  yet,  astonishing  grace  !  he  gave  his  Son  freely, 
"  that  we  might  live  through  him,"  though  wretched, 
guilty,  damnable  creatures  by  nature  and  practice  :  of 
this  we  are  bold  and  confident.  This  truth  bears  the 
Divine  impress.  The  Lord  hath  confirmed  it  with  an 
oath.  Here  to  admit  the  least  doubt  is  base  and  un- 
reasonable. The  life  of  faith  springs  from  truth  itself, 
and  is  as  contrary  to  doubting  as  to  sensuality  5  yet, 
while  in  the  flesh,  it  will  be  opposed  by  both. 

But  is  every  believer  in  Jesus  assured,  with  Paul, 
"Christ  loved  me^  and  gave  himself  for  meV^  No: 
though  this  knowledge  is  essential  to  the  comfort  of 
our  souls,  yet  not  to  the  being  of  faith  in  the  heart ;  nor 
is  it  the  object  of  faith  ;  yet  it  is  the  joyful  privilege  of 


206  MAY  17. 

every  believer,  and  as  such,  is  earnestly  to  be  coveted, 
and  all  diligence  should  be  given  to  attain  it.  We  are 
loved  with  the  same  love  ;  saved  by  the  same  truth  ;  the 
same  faith  given  us  by  the  same  Spirit  which  Paul  had, 
and  to  the  same  end,  to  make  us  holy  and  happy.  And 
the  Comforter,  who  testifies  of  Jesus  in  the  word,  will 
sooner  or  later  also  bear  witness  to  the  heart,  and  fill 
the  soul  with  the  comforts  of  faith  and  the  joy  of  assur- 
ance. Every  faithful  soul,  abiding  in  the  Lamb,  shall 
rejoice  to  say,  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with 
my  spirit  that  I  am  a  child  of  God.    Romans,  8 :  16. 


May  17. — Remember  LoVs  wife.    Luke,  17  :  32. 

It  may  do  us  much  good,  it  can  do  no  harm,  to  call  to 
mind  the  judgments  of  our  God.  Hence  we,  may  learn 
from  others'  harm  to  be  more  wise  and  wary.  If  we  see 
professors  fall  away,  it  teaches  us  to  take  heed  :  it  tends 
to  lay  us  low  in  humility  at  the  feet  of  Jesus  ;  and  ex- 
cites gratitude  and  love  in  our  hearts,  and  makes  us  cry 
out  in  astonishment.  Why  are  we  not  fallen  \  How  are 
we  kept  1    "  Glory  to  grace !" 

O  believe^,  ever  remember,  thou  standest  by  faith. 
"  Be  not  high-minded,  but  fear  :"  fear  to  look  back,  with 
a  wishful  eye,  to  the  sinful  vanities  of  a  carnal  world. 
Remember  Lot's  wife.  What  of  her  %  She  loitered  be- 
hind her  husband.  So,  soul,  if  thou  dost  loiter,  and  not 
keep  close  with  Jesus,  thou  wilt  be  in  danger.  ''  She 
looked  back  from  behind  him."  Here  was  an  act  of  folly, 
in  thinking,  as  she  was  behind  Lot,  her  looking  back 
would  not  be  seen  ;  of  unbelief,  in  not  steadfastly  credit- 
ing God's  word  5  and  of  disobedience,  in  looking  back 
to  Sodom,  contrary  to  his  word.  O  soul,  forget  not 
that  Jesus  sees  the  looks  of  thy  heart  to  this  perishing 
world.  He  sees  the  unbelief  of  thy  heart  when  thou 
lookest  to  any   thing  but  him  for  happiness.     He  will 


MAY  18.  207 

punish  disobedience  to  his  command,  '*  Follow  me." 
''  She  became  a  pillar  of  salt."  Gen.  19  :  26.  A  last- 
ing  monument  of  God's  judgment.  Though  we  never 
saw  this  pillar  of  salt,  yet  w^e  may  see  such  every  day. 
How  many  seem  to  turn  their  backs  upon  the  world 
and  escape  to  Jesus,  but  they  look  back  again  to  it- 
Looking  begets  longing.  Their  feet  are  again  entangled 
in  its  snares ;  their  hearts  bewitched  with  its  smiles  j 
they  are  hugged  to  death  in  the  world's  embraces ;  and 
become  as  a  monument  of  God's  judgment  upon  their 
conduct. 

It  is  supposed  Lot's  wife  retained  her  natural  shape 
in  this  pillar.  So,  in  such  professors,  there  may  be  all 
the  appearance  of  the  form  of  religion,  while  the  spi- 
rit, life,  and  power  of  it  are  extinct  in  their  souls. 
Their  hearts  are  as  cold  and  dead  to  God  as  Lot's 
wife  was,  when  she  became  a  pillar  of  salt,  to  the 
things  of  this  life. 

The  eye  is  a  great  inlet  to  temptation.  Saints  have 
wofully  experienced  this.  David  did.  He  saw;  then 
he  longed  after  enjoyment.  O  believer,  Jesus  is  thy 
only  object.  Here  looking  may  beget  love  and  longing, 
without  danger  of  harm  ;  yea,  with  the  greatest  certainty 
of  good  to  thy  soul.  Thou  hast  escaped  for  thy  life. 
"  Look  not  behind  thee."  "  Press  toward  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  thy  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ."  Phi- 
lippians,  3  :  14. 


May  18. — Knowing  that  of  the  Lord  ye  shall  receive  the  re- 
ward of  the  inheritance :  for  ye  serve  the  Lord  Christ.  Colos- 
sians,  3  :  24. 

Saving  knowledge  is  accompanied  with  humility,  and 
is  productive  of  love  to  Jesus  and  delight  in  his  service. 
To  desire  to  know  more  of  the  truth,  in  order  to  g-ain 
greater  measures  of  love,  and  more  cheerful  conformity 


208     *  MAY  18. 

to  him,  is  praise-worthy.  For  ''  whoso  looketh  into 
the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  and  continueth  therein,  he 
being  not  a  forgetful  hearer,  but  a  doer  of  the  work,  this 
man  shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed."  James,  1  :  25. 

Christian,  thou  art  not  called  to  dream  over  dry  dis- 
quisitions and  subtle  refinements,  merely  to  fill  thy 
brain  with  nice  speculations;  but  to  have  thy  heart 
warmed  with  love,  thy  practice  influenced  to  obedience, 
as  well  as  thy  judgment  established  in  truth.  Remem- 
ber thy  calling.  Study  thy  reward.  Glory  in  being  a 
servant  of  Jesus :  his  work  is  pleasant,  his  service  per- 
fect freedom,  his  wages  infinitely  great  reward  in  thy 
work,  reward  for  thy  work,  and  an  eternal  inheritance 
when  thy  short  day's  work  is  ended.  And  all  of  the 
rich  favor  and  free  grace  of  the  Lord  Christ. 

Shall  the  pleasures  of  sin,  which  are  but  for  a  season  ; 
the  vile  drudgery  of  Satan,  which  is  miserable  bondage  ; 
the  alluring  smiles  of  a  perishing  world  :  shall  these 
be  placed  in  competition  with  the  service  of  Jesus  1 
"  Knowing  that  we  serve  the  Lord  Christ."  O  how  does 
this  sweeten  duty,  and  make  every  path  delightful ! 
Canst  thou  hesitate  one  moment,  v/hen  the  question  is, 
^'  Choose  you  this  day  whom  you  will  serve,"  Christ  or 
Satan  1  No  ;  verily  thou  canst  not,  if  so  be  thou  hast 
tasted  of  the  infinitely  rich  grace  of  the  eternally  pre- 
cious Christ. 

Hath  he  bought  us  with  his  blood  1  redeemed  us  to 
God  ]  wrought  out  a  righteousness  to  clothe  and  adorn 
us  1  and  prepared  mansions  in  heaven  to  receive  us  1 
And  shall  our  conduct  be  contrary  to  our  profession  1 
our  practice  not  conformable  to  our  judgment  1  or  our 
walk  inconsislient  with  owr  faith  1  Where  then  is  the 
proof  that  we  serve  the  Lord  Christ  ]  Wjiat  evidence 
that  we  know  the  Lord,  are  interested  in,  or  may  ex- 
pect the  reward  of  his  inheritance  1  We  may  well  cry 
out,  Wo  to  our  wretched  sinful  nature,  which  is  con- 


MAY  19.  209 

trary  to  Jesus,  and  is  ever  opposing  his  truth,  ways,  and 
love.  Shame  to  us,  that  we  love  him  no  more  and  serve 
him  no  better.  Blessed  be  Jesus  Christ  for  the  gift  of 
his  Spirit.  O  that  through  his  sanctifying  and  sin-morti- 
fying operations  we  may  be,  in  love,  wholly  devoted 
to  the  service  of  him,  who  in  mercy  wholly  devoted 
himself  for  our  salvation.  *'  Ye  are  not  your  own." 
1  Cor.  6  :  19.     . 


May  19. — The  law  was  given  hy  Moses,  but  grace  and  truth  came 
hy  Jesus  Christ.    John,  1 ;  17. 

It  is  natural  to  us  all  to  say  of  the  moral  law,  as  the 
king  of  Israel  of  faithful  Micaiah,  ''I  hate  him,  for 
he  doth  not  prophesy  good  concerning  me,  but  evil." 
1  Kings,  22  :  8.  True,  God's  holy  law  yields  no  com 
fort,  hope,  or  peace  to  any  sinner.  Yet  believers  in 
Jesus  cannot  hate  the  moral  law.  It  is  a  transcript  of 
our  Father's  mind  and  will  j  his  good  gift ;  and  answers 
most  valuable  ends  and  purposes  to  us.  We  know  sin 
by  the  law,  as  we  know  Christ  by  the  Gospel. 

Though  the  law  was  given  by  Moses,  a  meek  prophet, 
yet  it  is  full  of  wTath,  condemnation,  and  curses  j  yea, 
denounces  damnation  to  every  transgressor.  Yet  why 
hate  the  law  %  That  is  not  the  cause  of  all  these  evils,. 
but  our  violations  of  its  holy,  just,  and  righteous  pre- 
cepts. Here  fix  thy  hatred :  here  it  is  just.  Believer, 
the  law  is  thy  friend,  it  shows  thee  thy  duty,  cuts  off  all 
legal  hopes,  all  trust  in  thy  own  righteousness,  razes 
every  false  foundation.  The  trumpet  sounds  its  alarm 
louder  and  louder.  The  voice  of  words  is  shriller  and 
shriller,  and  will  ever  be  terrible  in  its  sound  to  thy 
conscience,  except  thou  art  under  that  grace  and  truth 
which  came  by  Jesus  Christ. 

Behold  and  admire  the  transcendant  excellences  of 
Jesus,  "  full  of  grace  and  truth."     Grace,  even  the  free 


210  MAY  20. 

favor  of  God  to  sinners,  came  by  Jesus  Christ :  truth,  in 
every  accomplishment  of  the  ceremonial,  in  perfect  ful- 
filment of  every  righteous  demand  which  the  moral  law 
could  exact.  Here  is  our  wisdom,  to  oppose  Jesus'  life 
and  death  to  every  righteous  demand,  terrible  threaten- 
ing, and  dreadful  curse  of  the  law.  As  our  husband,  all 
debts,  dues,  and  demands  he  for  ever  satisfied.  He  came, 
not  to  destroy  the  law,  but  to  fulfil  it.  Matt.  5  :  17. 

Says  the  immortal  Hervey,  "  Jesus  is  the  author  of 
our  faith  and  former  of  our  graces.  In  his  unpolluted 
life  we  see  the  path,  in  his  meritorious  death  the  price, 
and  in  his  triumphant  resurrection  the  proof  of  bliss  and 
immortality.  If  we  ofl^eivd,  and  fall  seven  times  a  day, 
he  is  the  Lord  our  peace.  If  depraved,  and  our  best 
deeds  unworthy,  he  is  the  Lord  our  righteousness.  If 
brutish  in  heavenly  knowledge,  he  is  the  Lord  our  wis- 
dom :  his  word  dispels  the  shades,  his  Spirit  scatters  the 
intellectual  gloom,  his  eye  looks  our  darkness  into  day. 
In  short,  we  are  nothing,  and  Christ  is  all.  Worse  than 
defective  in  ourselves,  we  are  complete  in  him.  We 
act  by  strength,  and  glory  in  a  righteousness  not  our 
own,"  All  is  of  faith,  by  grace.    Rom.  4? :  16. 


May  20. — Master,  carcst  thou  not  that  ive  perish  ?  Mark,  4  :  38. 

Saints  in  all  ages  have  experienced  that  their  ex- 
tremity of  distress  has  been  God's  opportunity  to  deli- 
ver. So  these  disciples  found  it.  They  were  in  the  most 
imminent  danger  and  the  greatest  fears.  Their  vehe- 
ment cry  bespeaks  it.  *'  Jesus  was  asleep."  We  believe 
in  our  Saviour,  as  a  man  like  unto  ourselves — we  adore 
him  as  the  sovereign  Lord,  whose  "  eyes  are  over  the 
righteous,  and  his  ears  ever  open  to  their  prayer." 
1  Pet.  3  :  12.  Of  this  we  have  the  clearest  evidence  and 
fullest  proof.  Jesus  awakes  as  a  man ;  and  with  the 
power  and  sovereignty  of  Jehovah  rebukes  the  boiste- 


MAY  20.  211 

rous  wind  J  and  says  to  the  raging  waves,  "Peace,  be 
still ;"  and  instantly  all  nature  obeys  its  Creator,  all  is 
hushed  into  a  profound  calm. 

While  others  are  pleased  with  the  feats  of  a  Csesar, 
or  the  conquests  of  an  Alexander ;  may  it  be  our  con- 
stant delight  to  meditate  upon  the  wonderful  works 
of  our  God-man  and  blessed  Saviour.  Transporting,  to 
know  this  awful  God  is  ours,  our  Jesus,  and  our  Friend ! 

But  art  thou  not  ready,  O  believer,  sometimes  to 
say,  *'  My  Lord  hath  forsaken,  and  my  God  hath  forgot- 
ten me  1"  It  seems  as  though  he  cares  not,  even  though 
I  perish.  I  am  in  the  wide  ocean  of  difficulty  and  dis- 
tress. Corruptions  rage  ;  temptations  assault ;  fiery  darts 
of  the  enemy  fly  thick  around  me  ;  I  groan  under  the 
sense  of  a  hard  heart  and  an  absent  God."  Hear  the 
voice  of  thy  Lord,  ''  O  thou  afflicted,  tossed  with  tem- 
pest, and  not  comforted  ; — for  a  small  moment  I  have 
forsaken  thee,  but  with  great  mercies  will  I  gather 
thee."  Isa.  54  :  7,  11.  Judge  not  of  God's  love  by  thy 
sense  and  feeling ;  but  by  his  word  of  truth,  the  stability 
of  his  promises,  and  the  security  of  his  oath.  He  may 
be  battering  down  thy  life  of  sense,  to  make  thee  strong 
in  faith,  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his 
might. 

These  disciples,  though  in  a  terrible  storm,  were  safe  ; 
because  Jesus  was  in  the  ship,  though  asleep.  So  is 
every  disciple  where  Jesus  dwells  in  the  heart  by  faith. 
The  affection  of  God's  love  never  ceases,  though  storms 
surround  us,  and  the  comfort  of  love  may  seem  asleep. 
And  as  with  these  disciples,  so  shall  it  be,  O  christian  ; 
thou  shalt  find  thy  loving  Saviour  ever  near  to  hear, 
and  almighty  to  deliver  thee.  God's  moment  is  thy 
mercy.  In  the  deeps  of  distress  are  God's  wonders 
known.  ''  In  the  mount  of  the  Lord,"  "  Jehovah-jireh," 
**  it  shall  be  seen."  What  saith  thy  Lord  1  "  Call  upon 
me  in  time  of  trouble,  and  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou 


212  MAY  21. 

shalt  glorify  me."  It  is  the  joy  of  faith  to  reply,  ''  Thou 
shalt  compass  me  about  with  songs  of  deliverance." 
Psalm  32  :  7. 


May  21. — G'o,  tell  his  disciples,  and  Peter,  that  he  goeth  hefore 
you  into  Galilee  :  there  shall  ye  see  him.  Mark,  16:7. 

How  different  is  the  Gospel  from  the  law.  One  is  a 
voice  of  condemnation,  terror,  and  wrath  j  the  other 
speaks  grace,  peace,  and  love.  When  God's  children 
only  murmured  for  water,  even  meek  Moses  is  in  wrath, 
and  calls  them  '^  rebels."  Here  the  disciples  had  acted 
most  basely  and  migratefully  to  their  loving  Saviour  ] 
for  they  added  sorrow  to  his  distress  when  they  all  for- 
sook him  and  fled  j  and  Peter  above  all  the  rest  j  for,  as 
if  Jesus  was  the  most  abandoned  wretch,  Peter,  with 
oaths  and  curses  denied  that  he  knew  him. 

What  could  they  expect,  but  that  his  first  message 
should  be,  Go  tell  those  apostate  rebels  I  am  risen  from 
the  dead  ;  they  shall  receive  their  just  deserts ;  ven- 
geance is  mine,  I  will  repay  them  1  Be  astonished,  O 
heavens !  Hear,  wonder,  and  love,  O  ye  backsliding 
children  ;  devils  are  not  permitted  to  terrify,  but  angels 
commissioned  to  comfort  them.  ''Tell  his  disciples;" 
amazing  !  Disciples  still !  How  unworthy  the  very  name  ! 

Yet  more,  lest  his  message  should  prove  a  dagger  to 
poor  Peter's  heart,  and  he  should  write  these  bitter 
things  against  himself:  ''I  am  no  disciple.  Though  all 
the  rest  forsook  and  fled  from  Jesus,  yet  not  one  of 
them  sinned  with  so  high  a  hand  as  I.  I  not  only  for- 
sook him,  fled  from  him,  but  denied  him  with  oaths, 
cursed  and  swore  that  I  knew  him  not.  Wo  is  me  ; 
the  Lord  told  me  Satan  had  desired  to  have  me ;  so  it 
must  be."  No,  no,  Peter,  thy  Lord  ''  having  loved  his 
own  which  were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them  unto 
the  end." 


MAY  22.  213 

"  Not  all  that  sin  or  hell  can  say 
"  Can  turn  his  heart,  his  love  away." 

Peter's  name  is  in  the  commission  of  comfort.  Did  he 
sin  above  the  rest  1  Yet  grace  superabounds,  therefore 
he  is  particularized  above  the  rest.  "  He  goeth  before 
you  to  Galilee  j  there  shall  ye  see  him." 

But  for  this  comfortable  message  poor  Peter  would 
have  dreaded  to  see  Jesus.  He  is  gone  before  to  glory ; 
there  shall  we  see  him.  But  for  the  comfortable  message 
we  have  had  from  him  of  his  love  and  salvation,  we  might 
dread  to  see  him.  But  who  shall  set  bounds  to  his  love  I 
Will  any  trembling  disciple  say,  "  The  Lord  hath  for- 
saken, my  Lord  hath  forgotten  me  1"  .True,  thou  mayst 
deserve  it ;  but  he  deals  not  with  thee  after  that  marx- 
ner  :  though  a  sinner,  a  backsliding,  hell-deserving  sin- 
ner, the  chief  of  sinners,  yet  still  his  name  is  Jesus,  his 
nature  is  love.  It  is  the  joy  of  his  heart,  and  the  work 
of  his  life,  "  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  who  come  unto 
God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession 
for  them."  Hebrews,  7  :  25. 


May  22. — Rejoice  in  the  Lord  alway  ;  and  again  I  say^  Rejoice. 
Phil.  4 : 4. 

"  He  that  is  of  a  merry  heart  hal^i  a  continual  feast.  ' 
Prov  15 :  15.  Every  believer  in  Christ  hath  a  continual 
feast ;  therefore  has  always  reason  to  be  of  a  merry 
heart.  When  he  is  not,  he  lives  below  his  privilege, 
and  forgets  his  loving  Lord's  command.  Though  we 
daily  find  enemies  to  our  spiritual  joy,  yet  none  can 
destroy  our  ground  of  rejoicing.  That  is  fixed  as  a 
rock  ;  permanent  as  the  mountains ;  and  standeth  fast 
for  ever  and  ever.  Paul  gives  us,  from  experience,  this 
as  the  christian's  motto,  "As  sorrowful,  j^et  always 
rejoicing."  Though  with  him  daily  crying  out,  "  O 
wretched  man  that  I  am,"  according  to  the  flesh ;  yet 
thou  hast  the  same  reason  always  to  thank  God  and  re- 


214  MAY  22. 

joice  in  Jesus  as  Paul  had.  Though,  in  thyself,  cause 
for  mourning  and  humiliation,  yet  continual  matter  of 
joy  and  rejoicing  in  the  Lord  Jesus. 

Christian,  here  is  thy  wisdom,  to  understand  aright 
and  act  suitably  to  thy  character  :  "  as  having  nothing  " 
in  nature  j  "  yet  possessing  all  things"  by  grace  :  being 
united  to  Jesus,  in  whom  all  fulness  dwells  ;  and  "  bless- 
ed with  all  spiritual  blessings "  by  God  the  Father  in 
him.  It  is  therefore  our  sweet  privilege  always  to  re 
joice  in  Christ.  We  experience  that  believing  views  of 
Jesus  cause  rejoicing  in  him,  in  the  Lord.  Mind  that 
little  word  in.  The  exercise  of  faith  is  ever  to  be  on 
thy  Lord.    All  cause  of  spiritual  joy  is  in  Jesus. 

The  word  to  us  is.  Believe  and  be  joyful.  If  we 
search  the  Scriptures,  which  testify  of  Jesus  j  if  we 
dwell  much  in  meditation  on  his  person,  offices,  blood, 
righteousness,  intercession,  we  shall  perceive  never- 
failing  springs  of  joy.  Day  by  day  be  looking  and  pray- 
ing, O  soul,  that  through  the  Spirit  thou  mayst  see  and 
maintain  a  comfortable  knowledge  and  settled  assur- 
ance of  thy  own  interest  in  Jesus,  and  salvation  by  him. 
O  this  will  cause  thee  to  rejoice  indeed,  with  joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory !  So  that,  even  though 
outward  things  put  on  a  gloomy  appearance,  yet  shall 
we  be,  like  the  steadfast  prophet :  "Although  the  fig-tree 
shall  not  blossom,  neither  shall  fruit  be  in  the  vines  j 
the  labor  of  the  olive  shall  fail,  and  the  fields  shall  yield 
no  meat  ;  the  flock  shall  be  cut  ofT  from  the  fold,  and 
there  shall  be  no  herd  in  the  stalls — "  what  then  1  does 
he  hang  down  his  head  like  a  bulrush  1  does  joy  of  heart 
forsake  him  1  No.  Says  he,  "  yet  I  will  rejoice  in  the 
Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the  God  of  vit/  salvation."  Habak. 

3:17,18. 

"  Then  let  our  joys  abound, 
"  And  every  tear  be  dry  ; 
Ve're  marching  through 
To  fairer  worlds  on  high. 


MAY  23.  215 

May  23. — What  doth  it  profit^  though  a  man  say  he  hath  faith, 
and  have  not  works  ?     Can  faith  save  him  ?     James,  2  :  14. 

Many  of  God's  dear  children  are  often  in  doubt  and 
perplexity  lest  their  faith  should  not  be  the  faith  of 
God's  elect.  This  may  arise  through  the  weakness  of 
their  understanding  in  the  word  of  truth  ;  and  because, 
as  yet,  faith  doth  not  bring  forth  its  fruits  of  joy  and 
assurance.  But  sooner  or  later  the  Holy  Ghost  will 
make  this  matter  clear  and  satisfactory  to  their  hearts, 
in  believing. 

But  the  soundness  of  our  faith  is  least  of  all  suspected 
by  us  while  in  a  state  of  nature.  For  w^e  all  think,  are 
very  confident,  have  not  the  least  doubt,  but  say,  "  we 
have  faith ;"  true  faith  :  but  this  is  a  weed  which  grows 
wild  in  nature's  field.  This  is  the  faith  here  spoken  of, 
which  all  the  world  rest  in  who  know  not  the  Son  of 
God.  All  men  have  not  faith,  the  faith  of  God's  elect. 
If  we  say  we  have  faith,  what  doth  it  profit  \  If  it 
brings  no  glory  to  God,  no  good  to  men,  it  only  de- 
ceives the  soul. 

"  Can  faith  save  him  1"  What  disputes  and  conten- 
tions hath  this  question  raised  !  Some  have  even  set 
the  apostle  James  at  variance  with  the  apostle  Paul  j 
as  though  the  former  contended  for  salvation  by  works 
against  the  latter.  "  Can  faith  save  him  1"  a  question, 
equal  to  an  assertion.  It  cannot.  The  supply  of  one 
word  here  puts  the  matter  beyond  all  dispute.  Qoiwsuck 
a  faith  save  him  1     No  :  it  is  impossible. 

But  dost  thou,  O  christian,  think  thy  faith,  Lhough 
accompanied  with  good  works,  can  save  thee  by  its  in- 
herent excellence  %  Verily,  no  more  than  thy  repentance 
or  thy  love :  these  are  alike  gifts  of  grace  by  Jesus 
Christ.  Given,  not  to  rival  him  in  the  heart ;  nor  share 
with  him  in  the  glory  of  salvation  j  but  to  honor  him, 
and  comfort  his  members.  We  are  not  saved  for  faith, 
but  through  faith.    Yet  faith  is  a  precious  grace.     It 


216  MAY  24. 

endears  a  precious  Saviour  to  the  heart,  and  "  works 
by  love." 

But  faith  doth  not  procure  God's  love,  obtain  his  favor, 
make  atonement  for  sins,  work  out  a  righteousness  to 
justify,  nor  merit  the  power  of  the  Spirit  to  sanctify. 
All  this  is  enjoyed  in  believing,  but  not  procured  by 
faith.  Faith,  like  the  Baptist's  voice,  cries  in  the  soul, 
"Behold  the  Lamb  of  God."  By  faith,  we  honor  God's 
word,  look  to  his  everlasting  love,  rely  on  Christ,  mourn 
over  our  sin,  abhor  ourselves,  and  repent  as  in  dust  and 
ashes.  Peace,  love,  joy,  and  all  inward  fruits,  as  well 
as  outward  fruitfulness  in  every  good  word  and  work, 
are  produced  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  the  life  and 
vigor  of  faith.  It  concerns  us  daily  to  pray,  ''Lord,  in- 
crease our  faith!"  Luke,  17:  5. 


May  24. — For  she  said  within  herself,  If  I  may  but  touch  his 
garment,  I  shall  he  ivhole.     Matthew,  9  :  21. 

The  case  of  this  poor  woman  was  quite  desperate. 
Many  painful  operations  she  had  undergone,  in  hope  of 
a  cure.  Her  money  was  all  spent  in  procuring  reme- 
dies. Her  disorder  grew  worse  and  worse.  All  human 
hope  and  help  failed.  Death  seemed  to  approach  her 
with  great  speed.  But,  strange  thought!  "If  I  may 
but  touch  the  garment "  of  that  man  surrounded  by 
yonder  crowd,  I  shall  certainly  be  healed.  Surprising 
to  think  of*  a  cure  from  a  touch  !  a  touch  not  of  his 
person,  but  his  garment !  How  can  nature  and  reason 
account  for  thisi 

Had  she  consulted  flesh  and  blood,  surely  she  would 
have  concluded,  this  suggestion  is  only  mere  fancy,  and 
will  end  in  delusion.  Had  she  consulted  eminent  physi- 
cians or  learned  pharisees  about  her  thoughts,  doubt- 
less they  would  have  pronounced  Jesus  a  deceiver,  her 
an  enthusiast,  and  advised  proper  remedies  to  her  as  a 


MAY  25.  217 

lunatic  But  the  Holy  Spirit  had,  inwardly,  made  Christ 
known  unto  her.  She  saw  somewhat  of  his  glory.  Her 
mind  was  disposed  towards  him.  She  believed  in  her 
heart  his  power  to  heal  her.  She  speaks  within  herself 
her  thoughts  concerning  him.  She  came  with  trembling 
feet ;  touched  him  with  a  fearful  heart ;  but  departed 
with  triumph. 

How  secret  are  the  operations  of  the  Spirit  in  work- 
ing faith  in  the  hearts  of  sinners  !  '^  No  man  can  come 
unto  me,  (saith  Jesus,)  except  the  Father  draw  him." 
John,  6  :  44.  A  sight  of  Christ  is  of  special  grace.  The 
first  thought  of  help  and  hope  in  Jesus  for  sinners  is 
from  the  word  of  truth,  and  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit. 
The  soul  soon  evidences  itself  to  have  "  the  faith  of 
God's  elect ;"  for,  under  a  sight  and  sense  of  its  despe- 
rate state  and  ruined  condition,  it  speaks  within  itself  of 
going  to  Jesus,  and  him  only,  for  pardon  and  salvation. 

Yet  the  poor  heart  is  often  exercised  with  an  if ;  if 
I  did  but  believe  in  him,  if  I  may  but  touch  him,  ifl  did 
but  feel  in  myself  that  I  was  healed  of  my  sin  and- 
plague,  O  how  I  should  rejoice  !  Well,  though  the  soul 
is  opposed  by  a  crowd  of  difficulties,  yet  will  it  not  be 
satisfied  till  it  breaks  through  all  earthly  opposition  and 
finds  peace  in  Jesus ;  till  it  hears  the  voice  of  its  Be- 
loved speaking  pardon  and  comfort  by  his  word.  When, 
like  Isaiah,  the  soul  cries,  "  Wo  is  me,  I  am  undone,"  it 
cannot  rest  till  with  him  also,  a  live  coal  from  the  altar 
of  Jesus'  love  is  laid  upon  his  mouth,  and  his  language 
is  changed  to  "  I  am  saved  by  Jesus."  For  '*  lo,  this  hath 
touched  thy  lips,  and  thy  sin  is  purged."  Isa.  6  :  7. 


May  25. — A  friend  loveth  at  all  tfmes,  and  a  brother  is  born 
for  adversity.     Prov.  17  :  17. 

We  have  a  striking  instance  of  genuine  and  uninter- 
rupted   friendship  which   mutually    subsisted   between 

S-  Treasurj'.  20 


218  MAY  25. 

David  and  Jonathan.  How  affecting  is  that  pathetic, 
mournful  exclamation  of  David,  when  friendship's  sweet 
bands  were  dissolved  in  death  !  "  I  am  distressed  for 
thee,  my  brother  Jonathan  :  very  pleasant  hast  thou 
been  unto  me  :  thy  love  to  me  was  wonderful,  passing 
the  love  of  women."  2  Sam.  1 :  26.  Who  can  read  this 
plaintive  note  without  sympathy  % 

But  though  their  love  and  friendship  never  abated  in 
the  dark  scenes  of  adversity,  but  was  alike  at  all  times, 
death  put  a  period  to  its  existence.  Natural  friendship 
extends  not  beyond  the  confines  of  the  grave.  But  we 
have  a  Friend  who  ever  lives  and  always  loves.  The 
most  exalted  friendship,  compared  to  his,  diminishes  in 
glory  as  the  light  of  the  brighest  star  when  the  sun 
appears.  Is  not  Jesus  this  Friend  who  loveth  at  all 
times  1  Yea,  before  time  commenced  his  love  existed 
to  his  church.  Every  member  was  loved  by  him,  and 
given  to  him  of  the  Father.  When  he  saw  them  polluted 
in  their  blood,  defiled  with  sin,  and  loathsome  in  their 
persons  ;  yet,  (O  wonderful !)  that  was  the  time  of  love  ; 
he  passed  by,  his  eye  saw,  his  heart  loved,  and  his  lips 
said.  Live. 

Dost  thou  live  by  faith  on  the  Son  of  God  1  This  is 
the  effect  of  love,  known  and  manifested.  But,  dost 
thou  find  daily  that  thou  art  a  poor  sinner  1  and  art 
therefore  grieved,  and  thinkest  thou  shalt  weary  out  the 
love  of  thy  Friend  1  No  ;  that  cannot  be,  he  loveth  at 
all  times.  Jesus  is  the  '^  Brother  born  for  adversity," 
to  comfort  in  and  support  under  it.  Now  thou  art  in 
an  adverse  state.  The  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  de- 
vil are  against  thee.  But  thy  Friend  is  above,  engag- 
ed for  thee.  He  is  stronger  than  all.  Though  in  dan- 
gers oft,  yet  always  safe.  Jesus  was  born  to  suffer 
adversity  for  his  brethren.  A  friend,  and  a  brother, 
makes  one's  sorrows  and  sufferings  his  own.  So  did 
Jesus.    Our  sins  were  his,  he  "bore  them  in  his  own 


MAY  26.  219 

body."     "  He   hath  borne   our   griefs   and   carried   our 
sorrows." 

And  did  he  love  before  time  1  Does  he  love  at  all 
times'?  Then  what  shall  separate  from  his  love]  "In 
all  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him 
who  loved  us."  As  Jesus'  power  is  equal  to  his  love, 
death,  which  parts  the  dearest  friends,  and  dissolves  the 
sweetest  friendships  below,  shall  introduce  us  to  the 
nearest  enjoyment  of  Him,  our  best  Friend  and  glorified 
Redeemer  above  :  for  he  says,  '^  Father,  I  will  that 
they  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where  I 
am."  John,  17  :  24. 


May  26. — Behold  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed 
upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God.  1  John,  3:1. 

If  a  poor,  insolvent  debtor,  who  sees  no  hope  but  to 
end  his  miserable  life  in  a  loathsome  jail,  is  yet  unex- 
pectedly called  to  hear  the  will  of  a  loving  friend, 
whereby  an  ample  provision  is  bequeathed  him,  fully  to 
satisfy  all  his  wants ;  how  must  this  rejoice  his  heart ! 
How  in  the  ecstasy  of  his  mind  would  he  be  ready  to 
call  upon  every  one  around  him  to  behold  the  delight- 
ful testament ! 

This  is  but  a  faint  view  of  the  inestimable  riches  of 
glory  and  honor  bequeathed  to  ruined  sinners  by  New 
Testament  love,  ratified  and  sealed  by  the  blood  of 
Jesus.  Upon  a  view  of  this,  how  should  we  be  filled 
with  wonder,  fired  with  ecstasy,  and  our  transported 
hearts  should  not  keep  silence  !  Angels,  see  and  ad- 
mire !  saints,  behold  and  adore  the  marvellously  great, 
the  inexpressibly  glorious,  the  wonderfully  discriminat- 
ing love  of  the  Father  of  Jesus!  Amazing  to  tell!  com- 
forting to  believe!  transporting  to  feel!  love,  the 
love  of  God  the  Father,  hath  made  its  way  to  sinful 
man  ;  flows  through  the  heart   of   a   crucified    Jesus  ; 


220  MAY  27. 

hath  reached  my  poor  heart.  What  terms  have  we  ful- 
filled, what  conditions  have  we  performed  to  procure 
this  invaluable  blessing  1  O,  the  very  question  startles 
the  gracious  soul !  He  rejects  the  thought  of  his  own 
merits  with  abhorrence  ;  and  cries,  ''  Pride,  thou  busy 
foe,  begone."  All,  all  is  freely  given,  richly  bestowed. 
And  am  I,  vile  and  unworthy  as  I  am,  the  called,  the 
real  son  of  God  by  adoption,  through  the  faith  of  Jesus'? 
O  thou  heavenly  Paraclete,  thou  divine  Sanctifier,  influ- 
ence, daily  influence  my  hearty  my  tongue,  my  life,  to 
glorify  my  Father,  my  Saviour,  my  God !  Though  I 
have  done  nothing  to  procure  this  inestimable  privilege, 
yet,  enjoying  this  rich  grace,  love  and  gratitude  de- 
mand corresponding  fruits;  a  holy  walk,  worthy  of  the 
vocation  wherewith  I  am  called. 

Hence,  assuredly,  will  spring  another  evidence  of 
God's  children  5  therefore  ^'  the  world  knoweth  us  not, 
because  it  knew  him  not."  Though  our  dear  Saviour 
'^  went  about  doing  good  ;"  yet  even  this  could  not 
gain  him  the  approbation  and  esteem  of  the  world. 
Never  let  disciples  expect  to  be  above  their  Master. 
The  more  we  follow  Jesus,  and  are  conformed  to  him, 
as  obedient  children,  the  stronger  evidence  shall  we  pro- 
bably have  of  the  world's  enmity,  as  well  as  of  our  Fa- 
ther's love.  Let  us  rejoice  to  follow  Jesus,  and  be  glad 
to  imitate  him  j  to  do  good,  though  we  suffer  evil. 
''  Be  blameless  and  harmless,  as  the  sons  of  God." 
Philippians,  2:  15. 

"  Behold  what  wondrous  grace 
"  The  Father  hath  bestowed 

"On  sinners  of  a  mortal  race, 
"^  To  call  them  sons  of  God." 


May  27. — Go  back  again:  for  what  have  I  done   \o  thee?    1 
Kings,  19:20. 
Astonishing!  that  the  simple  act  of  Elijah  casting 


MAY  27.  221 

his  mantle  upon  Elisha,  should  cause  him  to  leave  oxen 
and  plough,  parents  and  habitation,  to  run  after  a  stran- 
ger !  Doubtless  there  is  a  mystery  of  the  Spirit  under 
the  history  of  the  letter.  The  outward  act  of  Elijah 
could  not  effect  this,  unless  the  inward  power  of  the 
Lord  had  accompanied  it.  So  Peter  might  have  cast 
his  net,  and  toiled  all  his  days,  ere  he  had  taken  a  fish 
with  a  piece  of  money  in  its  mouth,  unless  the  Lord 
Jesus  had  effected  this. 

Elijah's  passing  by  Elisha,  and  casting  his  mantle 
upon  him,  and  the  effect  that  followed,  is  a  striking  re- 
semblance of  the  Lord,  strong  in  power  and  wonderful 
in  grace,  passing  by  us  poor  sinners  and  casting  his 
mantle  of  love  over  us.  Call  to  mind,  disciple,  endeavor 
daily  to  remember  that  time  of  love,  when  thy  precious 
Saviour  passed  by,  saw  thee  polluted  in  thy  blood,  im- 
mersed in  busy  care,  when  worldly  hopes  and  carnal 
delights  engrossed  thy  whole  concern.  No  eye,  no,  not 
thine  own,  pitied  thy  precious,  immortal  soul ;  thou 
didst  neither  see  its  misery  nor  fear  thy  danger.  But, 
saith  thy  Saviour,  "  When  I  passed  by  thee  and  looked 
upon  thee,  behold  thy  time  was  a  time  of  love."  Ezek. 
16:8.  O  the  mighty  charm  of  Divine  love  !  How  is  the 
heart  attracted  and  drawn  after  Jesus,  as  Elisha  to 
Elijah  !  So  says  the  smitten  soul  to  Jesus,  ''  I  will  follow 
thee."  And,  like  him,  its  affections  are  drawn  from 
worldly  objects,  and  it  acts  like  the  woman  of  Samaria  : 
when  she  found  the  Messiah  she  forgot  her  errand,  and 
left  her  water-pot  behind. 

"  What  manner  of  man  is  this,"  said  the  disciples  in 
astonishment,  "  that  even  the  winds  and  the  sea  obey 
him !"  Surely  we  may  cry  out  in  admiration  with  St. 
John,  "  What  manner  of  love  is  this !"  What  a  mighty 
God  is  Jesus,  that  the  power  of  his  love  attracts  our 
^stubborn  hearts  to  follow  him  !  Admire  the  power  and 
adore  the  freeness  of  Jesus'  love.    It  found  us  ere  we 


222  MAY  28. 

sought  it.  Little  did  Elisha  think,  when  ploughing,  of 
being  called  to  be  the  Lord's  prophet.  Ah  !  what  was 
thy  employ  when  Jesus  first  cast  his  mantle  over  thee  % 
Perhaps,  like  Saul,  sinning  with  a  high  hand  ;  employed 
in  the  devil's  drudgery ;  in  open  rebellion  against  a 
loving  Saviour  ;  and  yet  priding  thyself  in  the  filthy 
rags  of  thine  own  righteousness.  This  is  the  joy  and 
rejoicing  of  faith  where  God  casts  the  mantle  of  his 
love  ;  he  clothes  that  soul  with  the  robe  of  his  Son's 
righteousness.  So,  grace  reigns  by  Jesus  Christ  unto 
eternal  life.    Romans,  5:21. 


May  28. — We  look  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the 
things  which  are  not  seen  :  for  the  things  which  are  seen  are 
temporal ;  hut  the  things  ivhich  are  not"  seen  are  eternal. 
2  Corinthians,  4  :  18. 

The  faith  of  the  Gospel  stamps  vanity  upon  the 
righteousness,  glory,  and  happiness  of  every  object 
short  of  Jesus.  When  the  soul  beholds  the  King  in  his 
glory,  it  pours  contempt  upon  all  things  beside.  All  the 
transient  objects  of  time  and  sense  die  in  esteem  while 
the  crucified  Saviour  is  in  view.  He  is  our  greatest 
gain,  our  chief  glory.  Far,  infinitely  beyond  all  the 
reasonings  of  vain  philosophy,  is  the  christian's  sight 
by  faith,  to  reconcile  his  mind  to  afflictions,  endue  with 
patience,  and  give  victory  over  them.  Thus  Moses  ''  en- 
dured, seeinsT  Him  who  is  invisible."  Heb.  11  :  27. 

Though  the  eye  of  nature  hath  not  seen,  nor  the  un- 
circumcised  ear  heard,  nor  can  the  carnal  heart  con- 
ceive the  spiritual  things  of  God's  covenant,  Jesus' 
incarnation  and  the  Spirit's  revelation ;  yet  the  en- 
lightened, heaven-born  soul,  sees  these  things  in  open 
vision  by  the  eye  of  faith.  To  look  at  them  is  our  chief 
delight  and  joy,  to  obtain  clearer  views  of  them  our 
daily  study,  to  converse  and  be  more  familiar  with  them 


MAY  29.  223 

our  chief  happiness,  our  heaven  begun  on  earth.  A 
strange  mystery  to  himself  and  to  the  carnal  world  is 
the  believing  soul.  To  prove  and  converse  with  an  un- 
seen Saviour,  look  to  invisible  objects,  derive  all  happi- 
ness from  things  that  are  not  seen  ;  no  marvel  that  there 
is  so  great  opposition  from  fallen  nature  and  carnal 
reason  against  such  a  life. 

Ever  remember  with  humility  and  thankfulness  our 
dear  Saviour  saith,  "  Unto  you  it  is  given  to  know  the 
mystery  of  the  kingdom  of  God."  Mark,  4:11.  "  These 
things  are  hid  from  the  wise  and  prudent."  O  disciple, 
whilst  thou  dost  adore  the  Father's  love,  rejoice  in  the 
Son's  grace,  remember  thou  art  wholly  indebted  for  all 
this  rich  discovery  to  the  Divine  Spirit.  Give  him  equal 
glory.  Grieve  not  the  Spirit,  who  is  the  glorifier  of  Jesus, 
by  looking  to  any  other  object  for  righteousness,  peace, 
and  happiness. 

Is  Christ  thy  all  1  Are  the  unseen  things  of  his  king- 
dom thy  portion  1  Be  a  chaste  virgin  to  thy  Lord. 
"  Where  thy  treasure  is,  there  let  thy  heart  be  also." 
Happy  for  t^ee  to  find  with  Paul,  "  I  die  daily."  I  am 
dying  to  the  world,  while  living  in  it.  I  find  and  feel 
many  pains  and  disorders  in  my  frail  body,  as  sure  fore- 
bodings of  hastening  dissolution.  I  know  perfectly  that 
the  day  of  the  Lord  is  coming,  that  each  breath  I  draw 
brings  nearer  this  solemn  advent.  What  then  should  I 
look  to  1  on  what  place  my  affections,  but  on  things 
above,  where  Christ  is  1  Col.  3  :  1. 


May  29. — My  God  shall  supply  all  you?-  need,  according  to  his 
riches  in  glory,  by  Christ  Jesus.     Phil.  4: 19. 

Paul,  though  an  eminent  saint  and  a  great  apostle, 
was  yet  a  man  of  like  passions,  a  poor  sinner,  even  as 
others.  Yet  with  what  amazing  boldness  and  confidence 
he   speaks  of  what  his  God  shall  do  I    Though  he  had 


224  MAY  29. 

never  been  admitted  into  the  counsels  of  the  glorious 
Trinity,  yet  the  Holy  Spirit  had  well  instructed  him  in 
the  covenant  transactions  of  Jehovah.  He  well  knew 
the  nature  of  the  everlasting  covenant  ;  that  it  was 
'' ordered  in  all  things"  in  infinite  wisdom  and  eternal 
love  ;  that  all  the  graces  and  blessings  contained  in  it 
are  sure  to  all  the  heirs  of  promise.  As  soon  might  a 
God  of  truth  prove  false,  a  God  of  faithfulness  be  unjust, 
as  any  one  of  his  promises  in  Jesus  to  his  people  fail. 

Such  is  the  security  of  the  covenant ;  such  the  con- 
fidence of  faith.  God  the  Father  is  the  fountain,  the 
Son  the  treasury,  and  the  Spirit  the  dispenser  of  all 
grace.  Believers'  needs  are  God's  concern.  They  shall 
have  a  rich  supply  for  all  their  wants.  The  value  of  their 
supplies  is  enhanced  to  the  highest  degree.  Not  only 
riches,  but  riches  in  glory  ',  glorious  riches.  For  they 
receive  all  from  glory ;  and  all  comes  to  them  through 
the  glorified  man  Jesus  Christ.  He  is  their  "  Friend 
who  loveth  at  all  times ;  their  Brother  born  for  adver- 
sity." In  the  hour  of  our  distresses,  and  time  of  our  need, 
we  too  often  forget  that  we  have  such  a  God  and  Saviour 
to  trust  in  and  call  upon.  Instead  of  looking  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  alas,  we  pore  over  our  own  corruptions. 
Here  we  are  sure  to  find  nothing  but  misery,  poverty, 
and  sin. 

Is  there  such  an  inexhaustible  fund  of  riches  in  Christ  ] 
Is  it  for  the  poor  and  needy  1  Dishonorable  thought 
of  Jesus,  ever  to  imagine  that  he  is  an  unconcerned 
spectator  of  our  wants  ;  or  that  he  will  withhold  when 
we  need  !  Nay,  he  knows  how  to  '^  have  compassion." 
He  is  touched  with  a  tender  sympathy,  a  feeling  sense 
of  our  infirmities.  Heb.  4:15.  ^' Trust  in  him  at  all 
times;  ye  people,  pour  out  your  hearts  before  him: 
God  is  a  refuge  for  us."  Psalm  62  :  8.  And  he  adds, 
"Selah:"  as  if  he  had  said,  consider  this  well  j  spread 
it  before  your  minds  ;  it  is  of  the   greatest  importance. 


MAY  30.  225 

^^  Lord,  help  our  unbelief."  Lord,  quicken  us  to  pray- 
always,  and  not  faint.  Yea,  also  to  praise  thee  for  thy 
declarations  of  love  and  promises  of  grace  to  us  poor 
needy  sinners.  ''  Pray  without  ceasing."   1  Thess.  5  :  17. 

"  In  vain  the  world  accosts  my  ear, 

"  And  tempts  my  heart  anew  5 
*'  I  cannot  buy  your  bliss  so  dear, 

"  Nor  part  with  heaven  for  you." 


May  30. — He  is  our  peace.  Eph.  2  :  14. 

When  Jehu  came  to  take  possession  of  the  crown  of 
Israel,  Jezebel  put  this  (as  she  thought)  cutting  question, 
"  Had  Zimri  peace  who  slew  his  master  V  2  Kings,  9:31. 
As  Jehu  was  called  and  anointed  to  be  king  of  Israel, 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  so  is  every  christian 
called  and  anointed  by  the  word  and  Spirit  to  the  king- 
dom of  Jesus.  He  "hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto 
God  and  his  Father ;  to  him  be  glory,"  &€.    Rev.  1  :  6. 

But  ere  we  take  possession  of  our  crown  in  glory,  we 
must  expect  many  severe  and  aggravating  questions 
from  the  mouth  of  the  adversary  on  earth.  Verily,  he 
hath. great  reason  to  urge  the  most  cruel  treatment,  and 
charge  upon  us  the  vilest  behavior  to  our  Master,  Jesus. 
That  bloody  deed  of  crucifying  the  Lord  of  life  and 
glory  was  caused  by  our  sins.  Not  a  transgression  a 
disciple  of  Jesus  commits  but  the  precious  blood  of  his 
Master  was  spilt  for. 

The  life  of  sin,  and  love  of  sin,  is  in  our  nature,  and 
the  law  of  sin  in  our  members.  And  while  we  are  daily 
exposed  to  sin  in  our  practice,  Satan,  like  a  powerful 
Assyrian  army,  will  invade  us,  and  attack  the  peace  of 
-)ur  souls.  What  can  we  do  \  If  we  deny  his  charge, 
and  "  say  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the 
truth  is  not  in  us."  Acknowledge  his  accusations  we 
must.  All  in  nature,  reason,  and  conscience  unite  to 
witness  against  us. 

10* 


226  MAY  31. 

But  shall  this  destroy  the  comfort  of  our  minds,  the 
tiope  of  our  souls,  and  the  peace  of  our  hearts  1  If  so, 
how  small  our  knowledge  !  how  feeble  our  faith  !  how 
weak  our  hearts  in  the  grace  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ! 
All  the  powers  of  darkness,  all  the  curses  of  the  law,  all 
the  accusations  of  sin, — blessed,  for  ever  blessed  be  the 
grace  of  our  God, — cannot,  shall  not,  overthrow  this 
soul-comforting,  Christ-exalting,  love-exciting  truth  ; 
this  man,  even  Jesus,  who  was  born  in  Bethlehem,  and 
died  at  Calvary,  he  is  our  peace. 

He  hath  made  peace  by  the  blood  of  his  cross.  Col. 
1  :  20.  The  everlasting  Gospel  proclaims  it ;  the  eternal 
law  of  love  confirms  it ;  by  faith  we  receive  the  joyful 
news  of  it  j  by  the  Spirit  our  souls  are  made  to  enjoy  it ; 
by  the  word  the  blessed  Spirit  stirs  up  our  pure  minds, 
by  exhortations  and  examples,  to  look  unto  Jesus.  Look 
away  from  every  other  hope.  Turn  from  every  other 
object.  His  name,  his  nature,  his  offices,  his  work,  all 
speak  peace  to  poor,  guilty,  self-condemned  souls,  whose 
only  hope  is  Jesus.  "  The  work  of  (Jesus')  righteous- 
ness shall  be  peace  ;  and  the  effect  of  (his)  righteous- 
ness quietness  and  assurance  for  ever."  Isa.  32  :  17. 


Mat  31. — This  is  the  record^  that  God  luxth  given  to  us  eternal 
life,  and  this  life  is  in  his  Son.  He  that  hath  the  Son  hath  life. 
1  John,  5  :  11, 12. 

Sovereign  power  permits  man  to  fall.  Guilt  fills  the 
wretched  pair  with  dread,  and  cuts  off  all  hope  in  God, 
all  claim  upon  him.  Hence  our  first  parents  "  fled  from 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  hid  themselves."  Sove- 
reign love  interposed,  and  the  poor,  guilty,  trembling 
partners  in  wo  were  called  before  the  offended,  justly- 
provoked  Lord.  Was  it  to  behold  him  clothed  with  ven- 
geance 1  to  hear  their  sentence  of  eternal  doom  to  de- 
struction 1  to  see  hell  opened  to  receive  them  1  No.  Be 


MA\  31.  227 

astonished,  O  heavens  !  rejoice,  ye  apostate  children  of 
hell-deserving  parents !  They  heard  a  record  of  what 
was  transacted  in  the  eternal  court  and  council  of  hea- 
ven, published  on  earth.  This,  instead  of  wrath,  brought 
mercy  j  instead  of  wo,  blessing  ;  instead  of  eternal  death, 
everlasting  life  5  instead  of  a  hell  of  misery,  a  heaven  of 
happiness  to  their  trembling  hearts. 

Fallen  man  sought  not  to  meet  God,  to  sue  for  pardon 
and  entreat  for  grace,  but  fled  his  presence.  But  the 
Lord  follows  sinful  man,  with  love  in  his  heart  to  pro- 
claim the  joyful  news  of  eternal  life  aS  the  free  gift  of 
unmerited  grace  and  mercy,  in  and  by  the  Seed  of  the 
woman,  Jesus  Christ.  Glorious  record  of  love  !  Bless- 
ed testimony  of  life  !  Joyful  tidings  of  grace  !  Hast  thou 
heard,  known,  and  believed  this  record  1  "  Praise  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  praise  his 
holy  name."  Behold  and  admire  the  wisdom  as  well  as 
the  love  of  thy  God.  In  this  rejoice  always.  Be  humble 
continually.  Life,  eternal  life,  is  given  us.  This  life 
is  in  God's  beloved  Son.  ''  Our  life  is  hid  with  Christ 
in  God." 

O,.  if  Jesus  dwells  in  our  hearts  by  faith,  we  have 
God's  beloved  Son,  we  have  eternal  life.  The  report  of 
this  is  joyful  to  our  ears.  The  enjoyment  of  this  enters 
our  hearts,  creates  a  present  heaven,  and  fills  us  with 
joyful  hopes  of  future  glory.  We  have  the  strongest 
confidence,  the  fullest  assurance  to  animate  our  souls. 
Because  I  live,  saith  the  Head,  ye  (my  members)  shall 
live  also.  John,  M  :  19.  God  hath  given  us  eternal  life. 
He  is  faithful.  He  will  not  revoke  his  own  precious  free 
gift.  Jesus  hath  overcome  every  enemy  and  opposer 
that  might  prevent  our  enjoyment  of  eternal  life.  The 
Holy  Spirit  hath  effected  such  a  union  to  Jesus  as  can 
never  be  broken.  We  are  joined  unto  the  Lord,  and  are 
one  spirit.    1  Cor.  6  :  17. 


228  JUNE  1. 

June  1. — Hide  not  thy  face  from  me  ;  'put  not  thy  servant  away 
in  anger:  thou  hast  been  my  help  ;  leave  me  not,  neither  for- 
sake  me,  O  God  of  my  salvation.  Psalm  27 :  9. 
"  Love  never  faileth."  It  ever  works  in  believing  hearts 
towards  its  beloved  object.    It  cannot  bear  distance  from 
Christ.    The  thought  is  grievous  and  painful.    The  dread 
of  it  makes  the  soul  plead,  fills  the  mouth  with  argu- 
ments, lest  the  heart  should  lose  the  sweet  sense  and 
comfort  of  his  love.    His  presence  is  heaven ;   his  ab- 
sence hell.    His  smiles  create  joy  j    his  frowns  gloom 
and  sorrow. 

When  the  heart  feels  the  withdrawing  of  God  and  the 
light  of  his  countenance,  it  cannot  but  be  restless  and 
uneasy.  For  we  experience  Christianity  to  be  more  than 
a  name,  its  doctrines  more  than  mere  speculations  to 
fill  the  head  or  amuse  the  thoughts  :  in  its  ordinances, 
more  is  enjoyed  than  a  dull  and  formal  attendance  on 
them.  It  is  a  life  of  love.  It  consists  in  knowing  and 
enjoying  the  God  of  truth,  faithfulness,  and  love,  in  his 
ordinances.  Therefore  a  loving  soul  most  of  all  fears  the 
anger  of  its  loving  Father.  It  dreads  to  be  put  away  in 
displeasure,  though  but  for  a  moment.  To  be  left  to  our- 
selves, 0  this  calls  up  cries  and  tears,  and  urges  us  to 
plead  hard  with  our  dear  Saviour. 

"  Thou  hast  been  my  help."  Past  experiences  of  thy 
love  and  power  are  remembered,  and  pleaded  for  pre- 
sent help  and  future  hope.  God's  precious  promises  of 
faithfulness  and  truth  are  beheld  as  "  fitly  spoken,  like 
apples  of  gold  in  pictures  of  silver."  Prov.  25  :  11.  Past 
love  cannot  be  forgotten.    Past  mercies  are  recalled. 

"Forsake  me  not."  Whyl  Because  '' thou  art  the 
God  of  my  salvation."  To  whom  should  we  go,  but  to 
thee,  O  Jesus'?  Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life. 
Forsake  not  the  work  of  thine  own  hands  j  the  soul,  for 


JUNE  2.  229 

whom  thou  didst  toil,  suffer,  bleed,  and  die.  There  is 
salvation  in  thee,  and  in  no  other.  I  have  found  it  so. 
Arise,  O  Sun  of  righteousness,  scatter  the  clouds  of 
darkness,  the  mists  of  sin,  and  the  fogs  of  unbelief.  Re- 
call my  wandering  steps.  Revive  my  drooping  spirit. 
Bring  near  thy  salvation  in  present  peace  and  love. 

Such  are  the  pleadings  of  loving  hearts,  springing 
from  the  faith  which  worketh  by  love.  It  ever  hath 
God  in  Christ  for  its  object,  his  faithfulness  and  truth  its 
support,  his  promises  its  pleas,  his  glory  its  aim,  and 
the  comforting  sense  of  his  love  its  portion  and  heaven. 
"  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  %  and  there  is  none 
upon  earth  that  I  desire  besides   thee."  Psalm  73  :  25. 


June  2. — Wait  on  the  Lord :  he  of  good  courage^  and  he  shall 
strengthen  thine  heart:  wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord.  Psalm 
21  :  14. 

"Be  of  good  courage!"  Alas,  how  can  one  be  so, 
when  all  sense  and  feeling  dishearten  the  mind  and  de- 
ject the  soul  %  Lively  frames  in  duty,  sweet  enlarge- 
ments of  heart,  heavenly  transports  of  joy,  delightful 
ecstasies  of  faith,  rapturous  tastes  of  love,  all,  all,  like 
Noah's  dove,  have  taken  their  flight;  and  I  fear,  says 
the  drooping  soul,  never,  never  more  to  return.  Truly, 
like  Hezekiah,  "  I  mourn  as  a  dove  ;  mine  eyes  fail  with 
looking  upward :  O  Lord,  I  am  oppressed,  undertake  for 
me."  Isaiah,  38  :  14.  Still  saith  the  Comforter,  by  his 
word,  "Be  of  good  courage."  Remember  thy  calling.  It 
is  to  live  by  faith,  honor  thy  Lord,  and  be  obedient  to 
his  word.  Thou  hast  the  sentence  of  death  in  thyself, 
that  thou  shouldst  not  trust  in  thyself,  lest  thine  heart 
depart  from  thy  Lord.  Not  frames  and  feelings,  but 
God's  love  and  promises  in  Christ  to  sinners,  are  the 
foundation  of  hope.  These  are  abundantly  sufficient  to 
inspire  the  soul  with  courage,  yea,  with  good  courage, 
to  go  on  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord. 


230  JUNE  3. 

Steadfast  faith  cleaves  to  Jesus,  abides  by  the  truth, 
perseveres  in  dutiful  obedience.  Shall  these  ever  be  sus- 
pended for  want  of  lively  frames  and  joyful  feelings'? 
How  would  this  prove  that  we  walk  by  faith,  and  that 
our  eye  is  single  to  Christ's  glory  1  Nay,  we  should 
then  serve  him  only  according  to  the  changes  of  sense 
and  passion,  rather  than  by  the  uniform,  consistent  obe- 
dience of  faith. 

The  Lord's  word  is  our  rule  of  duty.  His  promises 
are  our  support.  His  grace  is  sufficient  for  us.  His 
strength  is  made  perfect  in  our  weakness.  If  our  hearts 
are  weak,  that  we  cannot  run  with  alacrity  the  way  of 
God's  commandments  as  we  desire,  so  much  more  rea- 
son have  we  to  wait  on  the  Lord  for  the  ^^  times  of  re- 
freshing from  his  presence."  For  "  he  giveth  power  to 
the  faint,  and  to  them  that  have  no  might  he  increaseth 
strength."  Isaiah,  40  :  29.  "  Wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord." 
David  repeats  the  injunction,  v/ith  a  holy  fervor,  to  his 
own  soul  and  others.  God  has  promised  j  expect  fulfil- 
ment. Here  is  the  exercise  of  faith,  trust  in  the  Lord 
Christ  for  what  we  stand  in  need  of;  of  hope,  expecting 
to  receive  all  from  him  ;  of  patience,  waiting  continually 
upon  him.  Most  precious  promise  !  ''  They  that  wait 
upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength,  they  shall 
mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles,  they  shall  run  and  not 
be  weary,  walk  and  not  faint."  Isaiah,  40  :  31. 


June  3. — Now  faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the 
evidence  of  things  not  seen.  Hebrews,  11  :  1. 

Happiness,  that  inestimable  jewel,  every  man  is  in 
search  after.  But  to  seek  it  from  objects  unseen  and  in- 
visible to  our  natural  sense,  is  a  downright  paradox,  and 
will  be  ever  condemned  as  the  greatest  absurdity,  in 
the  judgment  of  depraved  sense  and  carnal  reason.  In 
the  knowledge,  love,  and  enjoyment  of  God,  true  hap- 


JUNE  3.  231 

piness  alone  consists.  The  only  living  and  true  God 
hath  revealed  himself  in  Christ.  This  is  the  christian's 
God.  He  knows  no  other.  It  is  a  blessed  truth  of  God's 
word.  By  faith  this  subsists  in  his  mind,  and  is  the  evi- 
dence that  his  soul  is  new-born. 

From  this  faith,  "  That  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling 
the  world  to  himself,"  0  what  an  extensive  prospect 
hath  hope  !  God  in  Christ ;  the  promises  all  in  Christ : 
he  that  believeth  is  in  Christ.  Christ  dv^^eIleth  in  his 
heart  by  faith.  All  the  blessings  of  time,  all  the  glories 
of  eternity  are  sure,  by  the  yea  and  amen  of  God,  to 
such  believing  souls. 

Shall  any  bold  emissary  from  Satan  demand,  "  What 
right  hast  thou  to  the  inheritance  of  this  good  land  V 
Abraham's  sons  have  Abraham's  plea.  It  is  mine  by  pro- 
mise. By  faith  I  sojourn  in  it.  God's  promise  is  faith's 
claim.  What  he  has  spoken  is  the  ground  or  subsistence 
of  hope.  But  may  not  other  witnesses  declare  against 
the  christian!  Yea,  doubtless,  many;  from  the  old  man, 
sin  remaining  in  us  ;  from  the  flesh,  Satan,  and  the  lav*'. 
But  the  first  is  under  sentence  of  death,  his  witness  is 
not  valid.  Satan  is  a  liar  from  the  beginning,  therefore 
deserves  no  credit.  The  evidence  of  the  law  is  su-' 
perseded  by  the  promise.  For  the  law,  which  was  430 
years  after  the  covenant  confirmed  by  God  in  Christ, 
cannot  disannul  it,  to  make  the  promise  of  none  ef- 
fect. Gal.  3  :  17. 

But,  blessed  be  our  Lord,  though  he  suffers  us  to  be 
attacked  by  many  adversaries,  he  Jeaves  not  himself 
without  evidence  in  our  hearts.  Though  each  of  us  can- 
not say,  I  know  I  am  a  child  of  God  5  yet  the  weakest 
believer  hath  the  evidence  of  truth;  the  witness  in  him- 
self of  the  reality  and  certainty  of  invisible  objects, 
"  things  not  seen,"  the  eternal  covenant  of  grace  and 
peace,  the  finished  work  of  Jesus,  and  the  glories  of  an 
eternal  world.  And,  amidst  opposition  from  every  quar- 


232  JUNE  4. 

ter,  here  is  full  proof  of  the  inward  subsistence  of  spi* 
ritual  and  invisible  objects,  in  our  desires  for  stronger 
faith  in  them  and  clearer  knowledge  and  enjoyment  of 
them.  "  To  every  one  that  hath  shall  be  given,  and  he 
shall  have  abundance."   Matthew,  25  :  29. 


June  4. — The  icord  of  God,  which  effectually  worketh  also  in 
you  that  believe.    1  Thess.  2:13. 

A  proclamation  of  grace  from  an  earthly  king  has  re- 
duced the  most  desperate  and  hardened  rebels  to  lay 
down  their  arms  and  promise  true  allegiance.  But, 
though  the  word  of  God  is  a  proclamation  of  grace,  glad 
tidings  of  pardon  ;  though  replete  with  the  most  tender 
expostulations,  and  the  most  endearing  i.nvitations  ;  yet, 
so  great  is  our  perverseness,  so  daring  our  obstinacy, 
that,  if  left  to  ourselves,  we  should  remain  deaf  to  every 
call,  and  continue  hardened  in  our  rebellion  against  the 
most  high  God  till  we  fell  victims  to  his  justly  de- 
served wrath.  For  unbelief  shuts  up  every  avenue  of 
the  soul  against  the  light,  truth,  peace,  and  love  of  the 
word  of  God.  But,  0  amazing  love  !  lie  in  the  dust,  O 
my  soul !  adore  the  power  of  our  all-conquering  Saviour. 
The  gracious  Spirit  makes  gracious  words  effectual. 
Hence  faith  esteems  every  portion  of  the  Gospel  as  the 
food,  life,  and  joy  of  the  soul.  By  the  Spirit's  agency 
the  word  begets  faith  ;  and  then  works  effectually  in  be- 
lieving hearts. 

They  speak  unadvisedly,  who  call  the  word  of  God  a 
dead  letter.  Indeed,  Paul  saith,  "the  letter  killeth." 
But  this  can  never  prove  God's  word  to  be  dead.  That 
which  is  dead  rtself  cannot  kill.  We  should  distinguish 
between  the  letter  of  the  law,  which  killeth  all  flesh,  and 
the  Gospel  of  grace,  that  worketh  life  and  salvation  in 
all  who  believe.  When  we  read  the  word  of  God,  we 
should  never  consider  it  distinct  from  the  essential  and 


JUNE  5.  233 

personal  Word,  Jesus.  He  is  emphatically  styled  ''  The 
Word  of  God."  Kev.  19  :  13.  He  who  executed  all  the 
purposes  of  the  word  of  truth,  works  effectually  in  the 
hearts  of  the  children  of  faith. 

Hence  the  once  despised  and  lightly  esteemed  Na- 
zarene  is  known,  believed  in,  and  loved,  as  most  pre- 
cious, the  chief  among  ten  thousand  ;  yea,  as  altogether 
lovely.  God's  precious  promises  in  him,  once  wholly 
disregarded,  are  now  richly  prized.  They  are  beheld  as 
sweetly  ranged  and  profusely  scattered  through  every 
page  of  the  lively  oracles.  The  Spirit's  holy  gifts  and 
sanctifying  graces  are  pleaded  as  God's  blessed  charter 
of  free  grace.  All  his  sovereign  edicts,  and  absolute 
declarations  of  grace  and  salvation,  instead  of  be- 
ing proudly  cavilled  against,  are  bowed  down  to  with 
humility.  In  the  word  of  our  King  there  is  power.  Sin 
and  Satan  are  dethroned  in  the  heart,  and  Jesus  rules 
and  reigns  in  the  soul.  Thus  the  word  of  God  is  quick 
and  powerful.  Thus  it  works  effectually  to  salvation. 
Faith  cometh  by*hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word  of 
God.    Rom.  10  :  17. 

"  This  is  the  word  of  truth  and  love 
'' Sent  to  the  nations  from  above-, 
"  Jehovah  here  resolves  to  show 
''  What  his  almighty  grace  can  do. 

"  May  but  this  grace  my  soul  renew, 
"  Let  sinners  gaze  and  hate  me  too; 
"The  word  that  saves  me  does  engage 
"  A  sure  defence  from  all  their  rage." 


June  5. — For  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain.  Phil.  1  :  21. 

O  happy  soul,  who  can  thus  say  with  Paul,  in  life,  in 
death,  Christ  is  my  gain.  Verily,  if  thou  believest  in 
Christ,  thou  mayst.  Thou  hast  the  same  right  and  rea- 
son as  he  had.  Paul  was  a  sinner,  even  as  thou  art  j  but 
Christ  was  all  his  gain.  So  he  is  to  all  who  believe  in 


234  JUNE  5. 

him.  Come,  christian,  let  us  state  our  loss  and  gain,  and 
see  the  sum  total  to-day. 

In  ourselves,  as  to  righteousness  before  God,  peace 
with  him,  love  to  him,  hope  in  him,  power  to  please 
him,  enjoyment  of  him,  as  the  life  of  our  souls,  we  are 
lost,  yea,  our  souls  are  all  lost.  We  are  all  bankrupt 
sinners ;  insolvent  debtors  to  law  and  justice  ;  and  de- 
serve the  prison  of  hell.  Awful  loss  ! 

What  is  our  gain  1  Inestimable  riches !  nothing  less 
than  Christ  and  his  precious  salvation.  Is  his  dear 
name  enrolled  in  our  hearts  1  Can  we  read  Jesus  there  1 
then  we  have  perfect  righteousness,  full  acceptance,  free 
access,  love  from,  peace  with,  hope  of  enjoying,  yea, 
present  fellowship  with  God.  We  are  his  children  in 
Christ.  All  that  he  has  is  ours.  His  e.very  attribute  is 
engaged  for  us.  His  Spirit  is  ours,  to  make  us  holy  and 
happy,  and  lead  us  to  eternal  felicity. 

"  But,"  says  one, ''  I  am  put  to  a  stand  in  my  reckon- 
ing ;  though  Christ  is  my  gain,  yet  I  have  not  lost  my 
burden.  Sin  is  still  alive  in  me."  Stop  not,  O  soul. 
Eeckon  on.  Though  we  have  sin,  and  feel  sin  raging 
and  rebelling,  yet,  in  Christ,  we  have  gained  a  sacrifice 
for  it,  and  redemption  from  it.  He  hath  put  away  sin 
from  us,  and  the  wrath  due  to  us  from  the  justice  of 
God.  So  it  stands  upon  record  in  the  court  of  heaven. 
The  Holy  Ghost  is  witness  of  it  to  us  on  earth.  Ee- 
cord  this  in  the  court  of  conscience.  Faith  can  show  a 
discharge  from  the  guilt  of  sin  and  the  curse  of  the  law  ; 
therefore  "  reckon  yourselves  to  be  dead  indeed  unto 
sin."  '^  Dead  indeed  !"  how  emphatic  !  yes,  dead  to  sin  ; 
and  as  much  alive  to  God  in  Christ  as  though  we  had 
never  sinned.  "  For,"  O  precious  words  !  ''  the  law  of 
the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  hath  made  us  free  from 
the  law  of  sin  and  death."    Eomans,  8  :  2. 

Thus,  in  Christ,  we  gain  a  perfect  victory  over  sin 
and  the  lav/.    But  sin  will  destroy  our  mortal  bodies  : 


JUNE  6.  235 

let  it.  This  is  all  it  can  do.  It  cannot  hurt  our  immortal 
souls.  For,  thanks  be  to  God,  we  have  victory  over 
death.  Christ  is  our  gain  in  death.  We  shall  lose  no- 
thing by  it  but  sin  and  sorrow  ;  we  shall  gain  eternal 
glory.  ^'  We  shall  be  ever  with  the  Lord."  "  I  count  all 
things  but  loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of 
Christ  Jesus  my  Lord."   Philippians,  3  :  8. 


June  6. — Behold,  he  cometh  tvith  clouds,  and  every  eye  shall  see 
him.    Revelation,  1  :  7. 

With  what  ardor  of  heart  may  every  believer  cry 
out,  ''Blessed  be  God,  every  hour  brings  nearer  the  so- 
lemn advent,  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God 
and  our  Saviour  Jesus  !  Now  is  our  salvation  nearer 
than  wheri  we  first  believed.  Come,  thou  once  despised 
Nazarene,  thou  once  crucified  Saviour." 

He  shall  come.  He  will  come  quickly,  and  be  seen  in 
his  human  form.  Shall  we  not  see  those  wounds  and 
scars  in  his  body,  the  tokens  of  his  inestimable  love, 
and  the  perfect  victory  of  his  cross  for  us  poor  sin- 
ners'?  How  joyful  in  the  exercise  of  faith,  the  fervor 
of  love,  the  expectation  of  hope,  is  this  contemplation ! 
This  quells  the  fears  of  nature,  mortifies  its  lusts,  sub- 
dues its  corruption.  To  this  end  we  are  born  again  of 
the  Spirit,  that  we  should  enjoy  the  visions  of  faith,  see 
Jesus,  live  by  faith  on  him,  have  fellowship  with  him 
in  the  sufferings  of  his  cross,  and  long  for  his  appearing 
in  glory.  Then  shall  we  share  with  him  in  the  glories 
of  his  kingdom.  ''He  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his 
saints,  and  admired  in  all  them  that  believe."  Believe 
steadfastly  i  hope  constantly  ',  obey  cheerfully. 

Whence  then  our  dejection  of  mind,  our  fear  of 
death,  our  unwillingness  "  to  be  absent  from  the  body 
and  present  with  the  Lord  1"  Truly,  all  this  ariseth 
from  the  mystery  of  iniquity  which  worketh  in  us.    But 


236  JUNE  7. 

it  is  our  wisdom  to  oppose  this  by  the  mystery  of  faith. 
Never  venture  to  think  of  your  own  dying,  without  con- 
sidering the  death  of  Jesus.  Look  not  at  your  own 
sins,  without  looking  at  the  blood  of  Jesus.  Think  not 
of  his  appearing  as  a  Judge,  without  remembering  him 
as  our  precious  Saviour.  Dwell  not  on  the  glory  and 
majesty  of  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead,  without  re- 
flecting on  his  humble  form,  his  manhood  state.  Con- 
ceive not  of  him  as  a  King  and  Lawgiver,  without  con- 
sidering him  as  a  Priest  to  atone  for  our  sin,  an  Advo- 
cate to  plead  our  cause,  and  our  Forerunner  entered 
into  the  heavens  for  us. 

Thus  shall  we  daily  prove  that  we  are  more  than  con- 
querors over  every  foe  that  opposeth  the  holiness  and 
comfort  of  our  souls,  through  Jesus, ^  who  loved  us. 
"  Behold,  he  cometh !"  O  joyful  day !  most  desirable 
sight !  Then  our  sorrows,  our  fears  shall  for  ever  cease. 
Then  our  eyes  shall  see  our  dearest  Friend :  and  our 
foes,  that  we  this  day  find  and  feel,  we  shall  see  no 
more  for  ever.  ''  To  them  that  look  for  him,  shall  he 
appear  the  second  time,  without  sin  unto  salvation." 
Lift  up  your  heads  with  joy,  for  your  redemption  draw- 
ethnigh.    Luke,  21:28. 


June  7. — Thou  shalt  guide  me  icith  ihy  counsel,  and  afterv:ard 
receive  me  to  glory.  Psalm  73  :  24. 
That  is  a  precious  caution,  "  Judge  not  according  to  the 
appearance."  John,  7:24.  The  apostle  Paul  reproves 
saints,  ''Do  ye  look  on  things  after  the  outward  appear- 
ance 1"  2  Cor.  10 :  7.  Through  this,  saints  in  all  ages 
have  puzzled  their  minds,  distressed  their  souls,  and 
have  been  tempted  to  hard  thoughts  of  their  God. 
They  have  not  ''  judged  righteous  judgment,"  in  respect 
to  carnal  men  and  the  dispensations  of  God's  provi- 
dence to  them.    So  we  see  Job  greatly  exercised,  Job, 


JUNE  6.  237 

21  ;  7,  and  Asaph,  in  this  Psalm.  But,  after  the  cloud 
of  carnal  reasoning  and  unbelief  passed  over  their 
minds,  the  sun  of  glory  and  truth  shone  again  with 
splendor  upon  them:  then  faith  put  forth  its  lively  ex- 
ercises and  sweet  appropriations  of  God.  *'  0  my  God 
and  Saviour,  I  see  thy  ways  to  man  are  just !  Righteous 
art  thou,  0  Lord.  Thou  art  my  God,  I  will  love  thee. 
Thou  shalt  guide  me  by  thy  counsel." 

As  the  Lord  is  often  said  to  make  a  covenant  with 
his  people,  when  only  renewing  his  old  covenant  of 
grace  and  love  in  Christ  Jesus;  so  faith  frequently 
makes  a  fresh  choice  of,  claim  to,  and  glory  in  the  Lord 
Jesus.  "  My  counsel  shall  stand,  and  I  will  do  all  my 
pleasure,"  saith  the  Lord.  Isaiah,  46  :  10.  Amen,  saith 
the  believing  heart.  By  thy  word  and  Spirit  guide  me 
continually.  I  cannot  guide  myself.  Jesus,  be  thou  my 
guide,  my  companion,  and  my  familiar  friend. 

Blessed  christian !  though  in  Paul's  case,  (Acts, 
27 :  20,)  when  neither  sun  nor  stars  appeared  for  many 
days — when  no  small  tempest  is  upon  thee,  and  all  hope 
of  being  saved  seems  taken  aw^ay  ;  yet  Jesus  is  at  the 
helm.  Thy  vessel  shall  ride  out  every  storm.  He  will 
guide  thee  safe  to  the  haven  of  glory. 

Some  seem  so  taken  up  Avith  prying  into  the  se- 
cret purposes  and  inscrutable  depths  of  God's  decrees, 
that  they  take  no  heed  to  their  steps ;  but  are  like  the 
philosopher  who  was  so  intent  in  observing  the  star- 
ry heavens,  that,  being  careless  of  his  walk,  he  fell 
into  a  ditch.  Not  God's  secret  purposes,  bat  his 
revealed  truths,  are  the  object  of  our  faith;  "his 
word  is  a  light  to  our  feet."  By  that  he  counsels 
and  directs  us.  His  gracious  Spirit  leads  and  guides 
us  in  the  paths  of  peace  and  holiness.  Eegenerate 
souls  love  God's  word,  the  way  of  holiness,  and  long 
for  glory.  In  this  the  children  of  God  are  manifest. 
God  will  receive  all  such  to  glory.    "  As  many  as  are 


238  JUNE  8. 

led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God  " 
Romans,  8 :  14. 


June  8. — Giving  thaiihs  to  the  Father^  icho  hath  made  us 
meet  to  he  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light. 
Col.  1  :  12. 

Too  many  of  God's  dear  children  seem  to  abound 
more  in  complaining  of  what  they  find  and  feel  in  them- 
selves, than  in  praising  God  for  what  he  hath  done  for 
and  in  them.  Why  is  this  %  They  do  not  live  enough 
in  their  own  kingdom,  consider  their  privileges,  nor 
dwell  upon  the  rich  love  of  God  their  Father  to  them, 
the  free  grace  of  Jesus  for  them,  and  the  work  of  the 
Comforter  in  them.  But,  from  a  sense  of  their  corrup- 
tions, the  devices  of  Satan,  and  an  apprehension  of  the 
spirituality  of  the  law,  they  cannot  think  themselves 
made  meet  for  God's  kingdom  ;  therefore  they  do  not 
praise  God  for  it. 

Say,  O  ye  children  of  the  Most  High,  is  this  right  1 
What !  because  you  find  sin  abound  in  you,  will  you  not 
give  praise  that  grace  doth  much  more  abound  to  you, 
and  in  you  also  %  Consider,  God  the  Father  hath  made 
us  meet.  Who  1  Us,  vile  sinners.  How  1  by  taking 
away  the  being  of  all  sin  in  us  1  No  :  no  more  than  by 
taking  us  out  of  the  body.  If  we  never  have  meetness 
for  glory  till  all  sin  is  perfectly  destroyed  in  us,  we  shall 
never  begin  the  work  of  praise  till  we  get  to  glory.  But 
praise  is  a  present  w^ork,  for  what  God  hath  already 
done  in  us. 

God  hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of  darkness. 
The  prince  of  darkness  no  more  blinds  our  eyes  to  the 
evil  of  sin,  the  curse  of  the  law,  the  glory  of  God,  the 
face  of  Jesus,  and  the  preciousness  of  his  salvation.  For 
God  ''hath  translated  us  into  the  kingdom  gf  his  dear 
Son."    We  are  out  of  the  kingdom  of  nature,  sin,  pride, 


JUNE  9.  239 

and  unbelief.  We  live  under  the  spiritual  reign  of  Je- 
sus. Therefore  we  possess  the  graces  of  this  kingdom  : 
faith  in  and  love  to  the  King  of  saints,  and  "  to  all  the 
saints"  who  confess  the  Son  of  God,  and  salvation  by 
him  only. 

Is  sin  our  burden  1  Christ  our  life  of  holiness  1  Is 
holiness  the  desire  of  our  souls  1  Have  we  light,  life, 
faith,  love,  holiness  %  Then  God  hath  made  us  meet  for 
his  glory.  Nay,  we  do  enjoy  him  now.  We  have  fel- 
lowship with  the  Father,  and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
Therefore  we  are  now  to  give  him  thanks.  We  shall 
never  have  any  other  meetness  for  heaven  on  earth  ; 
though  greater  degrees  of  this  may  be  experienced.  O 
my  soul,  art  thou  no  longer  in  the  darkness  of  sin  ;  Sa- 
tan's slave  ;  under  the  curse  of  the  law  ;  blinded  by  pride 
to  the  charms  of  Jesus  ;  tied  and  bound  by  the  chains  of 
unbelief;  an  enemy  to  God's  grace,  his  truth,  and  his 
people!  '' O  Lord,  my  God,  I  vv^ill  exalt  thee,  I  will 
praise  thy  name  ;  for  thou  hast  done  wonderful  things." 
Isaiah,  25  :  1. 


June  9. — I  had  fainted,  unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the  goodness 
of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living.  Psalm  27  :  13. 

In  times  of  sore  distress  and  affliction,  whether  in  soul 
or  body,  saints  are  taught  many  sweet  lessons.  jChas^ 
tenings  from  the  Lord  are  all  in  love.  By  them  our  God 
teaches  the  soul  to  profit.  "  No  chastening  for  the  pre- 
sent is  joyous,  but  grievous."  In  the  dark  night  of  suf- 
ferings, christians  sigh  out  many  a  doleful  strain.  Some- 
times, according  to  all  appearances,  from  nature,  sense, 
feeling,  and  the  judgment  of  reason,  they  are  ready  to 
cry  out,  ''All  things  are  against  me."  Hence  their  cou- 
rage sinks  ;  their  hopes  and  their  hearts  fail  them  ;  and 
they  are  ready  to  faint. 

But  they  have  an  invisible  Friend  always  near  them. 
He  supports  them  by  his  power  under  all  their  trials  and 


240  JUNE  9. 

conflicts,  revives  their  spirits  with  the  consolations  of 
his  word  ;  and  when  he  brings  them  out  of  their  trou- 
bles, then  how  sweetly  do  they  sing  of  him  !  How  many 
a  joyful  psalm,  what  a  rich  treasury  of  experience,  are 
we  favored  with  from  the  pen  of  David  dipt  in  the  ink 
of  aflliction  !  how  sweetly  does  he  indite  to  the  glory  of 
his  God,  and  the  comfort  of  his  Father's  children  in  af- 
ter ages  !  He  believed,  therefore  he  spake.  Unless  he 
had  believed  he  had  fainted. 

O  what  a  soul-supporting  grace  is  faith  !  It  will  sup- 
port when  all  things  else  fail.  Why  so  1  because  it  looks 
to  the  word,  and  trusts  in  an  almighty,  faithful,  cove- 
nant-keeping God.  Faith  consults  not  flesh  and  blood, 
but  the  word  of  grace  and  truth.  By  faith  we  endure 
every  fight  of  aflliction,  every  onset  of  the  enemy,  see- 
ing Him  Avho  is  invisible.  As  faith  is  the  support  of  the 
soul,  God's  word  is  the  warrant  of  faith,  and  Jesus  the 
object,  author,  strength,  and  finisher  of  faith. 

Thy  faith  shall  not  fail,  saith  Jesus  to  Peter,  "I  have 
prayed  for  thee."  It  failed  not  as  an  abiding  principle 
in  the  heart  unto  salvation,  though  it  did  in  the  confes- 
sion of  his  lips.  While  the  precious  Head  is  praying- 
above,  the  dear  members  shall  be  kept  believing  below. 
Though,  through  the  enemy's  power  and  the  corrup- 
tions and  rebellions  of  the  flesh,  poor  souls  may  speak 
unadvisedly  with  their  lips,  as  David  did,  (Psalm  116  : 
10,  11,)  "  I  w^as  greatly  afflicted,  I  said  in  my  haste,  all 
men  are  liars."  But  in  their  right  mind  they  give  all 
glory  to  God,  confess  his  goodness,  and  take  shame  to 
themselves  for  such  base  declarations  ;  and,  from  their 
own  experience,  give  sweet  advice  to  their  brethren. 
''  I  had  fainted  unless  I  had  believed."  Therefore  "  wait 
thou  on  the  Lord  j  be  of  good  courage,  and  he  shall 
strengthen  thine  heart :  wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord."  Psalm 
27:  U 


JUNE  10.  241 

June  10. — By  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  lam.  1  Cor.  15  :  10. 

It  would  be  one  great  means  of  preventing  our  conn- 
plaints  and  murmurings,  if  our  hearts  were  more  in 
meditation  upon  what  we  once  were,  what  we  still  are, 
and  what  we  deserve.  Such  was  the  conduct  of  the  once 
persecuting,  but  afterwards  Jesus-exalting  Paul.  The 
same  grace  that  reached  his  heart,  has  been  displayed 
through  the  many  revolving  periods  down  to  this  day, 
and  effects  the  same  blessed  work  on  poor  sinners  now. 
Thou,  therefore,  0  disciple  of  Jesus,  hast  the  same 
cause  as  Paul  had,  daily  to  sing  of  rich,  free,  distinguish- 
ing grace,  the  eternal  love  and  mercy  of  God  to  thy 
soul,  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Grace  shines  with  resplendent  lustre  in  the  person  of 
Jesus  \  and  operates  with  matchless  power  in  the  hearts 
of  his  members.  It  triumphs  over  all  the  rebellious  mo- 
tives, carnal  workings,  and  perverse  obstinacy  of  proud 
nature.  Publicans  and  harlots  are  often  raised  and 
beautified  by  grace,  while  self-righteous  Pharisees  are 
left  buried  in  the  ruins  of  nature. 

Hell-deserving  soul!  what  hast  thou  to  boast  of  1 
wherein  canst  thou  glory  %  Art  thou  converted  to  Jesus  1 
Ever  know  the  cause.  Study  daily  to  give  all  the  glory 
where  only  it  is  due,  even  to  the  boundless  mercy  of 
thy  God.  Wilt  thou  ever  open  thy  mouth  as  to  thy  obe- 
dience, thy  works  of  righteousness,  by  which  thou  hast 
obtained  the  prize  %  Ever  know  Jesus  hath  done  all  this. 
Hence  grace  freely  flowed  to  thee.  In  the  height  of  thy 
rebellion,  in  the  depth  of  thy  destruction,  the  voice  of 
eternal  love  spoke  to  thy  soul.  The  power  of  almighty 
grace  challenged  thee  as  its  blood-bought  purchase ; 
seized  thee  as  its  lawful  captive  ;  and  snatched  thee  as 
a  brand  from  the  fire  of  destruction. 

0  wondrous  love  !    Should  not  amazement  strike  thy 
.heart,  and  the  fire  of  love   and  gratitude  ever  burn  in 

S.  Treasury.  \  \ 


242  JUNE  11. 

thy  soiiH  What  shall  we  say  to  these  things  1  Truly 
grace,  that  dwelt  in  God's  heart  from  eternity,  hath 
reached  thy  heart  in  time.  Therefore  art  thou  turned  to 
Jesus  by  repentance,  and  hast  remission  of  sins  through 
faith  in  his  blood.  This  is  given,  by  the  exalted  Prince 
of  grace  and  peace,  to  thine  heart.  Hast  thou  love  to 
holiness  and  hatred  to  sin  1  This  is  contrary  to  nature, 
and  is  given  through  the  grace  of  the  Spirit.  '^  By  the 
grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  am,"  is  the  confession  of 
saints  on  earth.  By  the  grace  of  God  I  am  where  I  am, 
is  the  triumphant  song  of  saints  in  heaven.  For  '^  where 
sin  abounded,  grace  did  much  more  abound."  Rom.  5  ;  20. 

"  'Tis  from  mere  mercy  of  our  God 

"  That  all  our  hopes  begin : 
"  'Tis  by  the  water  and  the  blqod 

"  Our  souls  are  washed  from  sin." 


June  11. — Fear  7iot,  little  flock  ;  it  is  your  Faiher^s  good  plea- 
sure to  give  you  the  kingdojn.    Luke,  12  :  32. 

When  sinners  are  converted,  they  become  little  in 
their  own  eyes,  and  they  see  but  few,  comparatively, 
who  follow  the  Lamb.  Their  former  friends  turn  ene- 
mies. Their  former  hopes  are  cut  off.  They  know 
their  own  strength  is  perfect  weakness ;  and  they  feel 
the  burden  of  a  body  of  sin  and  death.  Hence  they  are 
often  exercised  with  anxious  cares  and  distressing  fears. 
Their  Saviour  knows  this ;  therefore  speaks  to  them  in 
love,  forbids  their  fears,  and  administers  the  most  reviv- 
ing consolation. 

Ye  children,  consider  your  dignity  as  adopted  sons  of 
God.  Call  to  mind  your  honorable  state  :  heirs  of  a 
kingdom,  heirs  of  God  the  King  of  kings,  and  joint-heirs 
with  Jesus  Christ,  though,  at  present,  ye  are  in  a  state 
of  exile.  The  world  know  you  not.  Your  kindred 
after  the  flesh  may  despise  you.    Carnal  professors  may 


JUNE  12.  243 

revile  and  persecute  you.  Satan  is  enraged  to  tempt  and 
accuse  you.  Yea,  and  your  worst  foes  are  most  nearly 
allied  to  you :  the  flesh,  with  its  corruptions  and  lusts, 
sin  and  unbelief. 

Yet,  saith  the  Head  in  glory,  to  his  conflicting  mem- 
bers on  earth,  "Fear  not.''  Whyl  what  consideration 
can  dispel  the  anxious  fears,  and  alleviate  the  distress- 
ing doubts  of  drooping  disciples  1  Verily,  the  good  plea- 
sure of  their  Father  ;  the  eternal  purposes  of  his  grace  j 
the  immutable  designs  of  his  love.  A  kingdom  is  pre- 
pared for  you.  Earth,  with  all  its  power ;  sin,  with  all 
its  malignity  ;  hell,  with  all  its  rage  and  malice,  shall 
never  deprive  you  of  your  Father's  love.  O  disciple, 
how  does  this  heighten  the  mercy,  and  secure  the  in- 
heritance !    It  is  a  free  gift  by  Jesus  Christ. 

Poor  soul,  thou  art  fearing  about  thy  interest  in  the 
kingdom  of  glory.  Verily  thou  canst  find  nothing  in 
thyself  to  give  thee  the  least  right  to  it.  But  thy  Saviour 
plainly  assures  thee,  it  is  of  "  thy  Father's  good  plea- 
sure." What  power  can  avert  that '?  Hast  thou  a  heart  to 
seek  the  kingdom  1  dost  thou  believe  in  and  follow  the 
Lambl  dost  thou  see  that  in  Jesus  which  attracts  thy  af- 
fections 1  is  the  desire  of  thy  soul  after  him,  and  to  the 
remembrance  of  his  name  1  Then  hath  the  glory  of 
this  kingdom  shined  upon  thine  heart  by  the  Spirit.  No 
marvel  that  sin  is  thy  grief  and  burden,  while  Jesus  is 
the  delight  and  hope  of  tby  soul.  The  Father's  gift  is 
sure :  and  so  is  the  way  also ;  it  is  by  Jesus.  And 
"through  much  tribulation  thou  (and  all  the  heirs)  must 

Acts,  14.:  22. 


June  12. — And  that,  knowing  the  time,  thai  noio  it  is  high  time  to 
awake  out  of  sleep:  for  now  is  our  salvation  nearer  thanivhcn 
ice  believed.     Rom.  13  :  11. 
It  is  an   affecting  but   a  real  truth,  that  wise  virgins 

are  apt  to  slumber  and  sleep,  as  well  as  foolish.  Throug:, 


244  JUNE  12, 

the  pressures  of  a  body  of  sin  and  death,  and  the  opiates 
of  worldly  ease  and  self-indulgence,  they  sometimes  fall 
into  a  drowsy  state  and  a  dull  frame  of  soul.  Hence 
they  lose  their  former  delight  in  religious  duties  and 
spiritual  exercises.  Their  love  to  God  and  their  brethren 
grows  cold  ;  their  zeal  for  Christ's  glory  and  his  pre- 
cious truth  declines.  The  enemy  takes  great  advantages 
against  them,  and  would  triumph  in  their  entire  destruc- 
tion. But  "  He  that  keepeth  Israel  neither  slumbers  nor 
sleeps."  Will  the  loving  father  suffer  his  dear  children 
to  sleep  in  their  beds  till  devoured  by  raging  flames  1 
If  we,  being  evil,  have  such  love  for  our  children,  how 
infinitely  greater  is  our  heavenly  Father's  love  1  There- 
fore he  alarms  and  awakens  souls  to  duty  and  watch- 
fulness. 

Thus  Paul,  his  faithful  watchman,  lifts  up  his  voice 
of  warning,  cries  the  hour,  and  reproves  disciples  as  act- 
ing unbecomingly :  it  being  both  unreasonable  and  un- 
seasonable for  those  w^ho  know  the  time  of  day,  to  in- 
dulge sloth  and  heaviness.  It  is  high  time  to  awake  out 
of  sleep.  Come,  christian,  look  about  thee,  look  up.  The 
Saviour  reigns.  It  is  broad  day.  See  the  sun  shining  j 
may,  just  in  its  meridian.  Thou  art  near  thy  journey's 
end,  in  sight  of  thy  Father's  house.  Thy  Lord  is  coming 
to  meet  thee.  What !  M'ilt  thou  sleep  on  and  take  thy 
rest  1  The  Spirit  says  to  thee,  ''  Now  is  thy  salvation 
nearer  than  when  thou  didst  first  believe."  The  Lord  is 
at  hand.  "  Let  thy  moderation,  in  care  for  the  things  of 
this  life,  be  known  unto  all  men." 

Why  grasping  so  much  of  perishing  things  1  Thou 
canst  not  hold  them  long.  Off  hands,  before  death 
makes  thee  quit  thy  hold.  Think  for  what  thou  art 
spiritually  born,  to  what  thou  art  called,  and  of  what 
thou  art  soon  to  take  possession.  Verily,  if  thy  soul  is 
broad  awake,  thou  secst  things  as  they  really  are.  Time, 
with  all  its   toys  and  pleasures,  how  short  \     Eternity, 


JUNE  13.  245 

with  .all  its  rich  glories  and  inestimable  blessings,  how 
iong!  Jesus,  with  all  his  preciousness  in  his  adorable 
person  and  finished  salvation,  the  best  object  of  thy 
hope,  love,  peace,  and  joy.  For  shame,  sleep  not  when 
the  delightful  presence  and  heavenly  fellowship  of  such 
a  Friend  may  be  enjoyed  !  If  the  sense  of  this  be  lost 
by  sleep,  resolve  with  the  church,  I  will  not  give  sleep 
to  mine  eyes  until  I  find  the  Lord.  Psalm  132:  4,  5, 


June  13. — Watch  ye,  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  quit  you  like  men, 
he  strong,     1  Cor.  16  :  13- 

Believers  in  the  Lord  Jesus  partake  now  of  his  ever- 
lasting salvation.  No  enemy  can  deprive  them  of  the 
full  enjoyment  of  it  in  glory  ;  because  '^  they  are  kept 
by  the  mighty  power  of  God,"  But  we  are  daily  to  con- 
sider that  it  is  ^'  through  faith."  1  Pet.  1:5.  Do  we  be- 
lieve in  the  atonement  of  Jesus'  blood  1  do  we  rely  on 
the  perfection  of  his  righteousness  \  Why  so  1  Because 
the  word  of  the  Lord  is  the  warrant  for  our  faith.  Hence, 
O  soul,  exhortations  from  the  same  word  to  duty  are 
equally  binding  on  thy  life  and  practice.  The  same  Lord 
who  has  saved  us  from  our  enemies,  calls  us  to  watch 
against  them.  Jesus,  who  is  gone  to  prepare  a  place 
for  us  in  glory,  directs  us  how  to  demean  ourselves  in 
the  way  to  it.  Christian  soldiers,  shall  we  neglect  the 
commands  of  the  Captain  of  our  salvation,  when  his 
glory  and  the  peace  and  comfort  of  our  own  souls  are 
equally  concerned  %  Surely  not. 

Through  watchfulness  many  evils  are  prevented,  many 
blessings  enjoyed.  When  a  christian  is  ofThis  guard,  or 
asleep  when  he  should  watch,  how  is  he  exposed  to  at- 
tacks, and  liable  to  fall  by  temptations  of  the  enemy! 
It  is  for  our  good  that  the  Lord  commands  it  as  our 
duty.  It  is  through  his  power  that  hereby  the  good 
soldier  of  Jesus  is  enabled  to  stand  fast  in  the  nroles- 


246  JUNE   U. 

sion,  power,  and  comfort  of  faith.  It  was  Paul's  joy- 
in  the  view  of  death,  that  he  had  "  kept  the  faith." 
2  Tim.  4  :  7. 

Would  you  enjoy  the  same  comfort  1  strive,  in  the 
strength  of  the  Lord,  to  follow  his  example.  Check  the 
risings  of  unbelief.  Oppose  the  workings  of  carnal  reason. 
Resist  steadfastly  in  the  faith  the  subtle  devices  of  Satan. 
This  is  our  duty  and  wisdom.  So  shall  we  quit  our- 
selves like  men  of  valor  j  like  victorious  saints  of  old, 
who  overcame  every  enemy  '^  through  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb." 

Droop  not,  O  believer,  thy  strength  is  the  Lord's 
omnipotence.  Lift  up  thy  head  with  boldness,  thine 
enemies  are  vanquished  by  thy  conquering  Redeemer. 
Be  strong.  Look  out  of  thyself.  Look  to  the  Strong 
for  strength.  Look  unto  Jesus  continually.  Rely  only 
ojithe  power  of  his  might  hourly.  His  arm  is  not  short- 
ened. The  reliance  of  faith  engages  his  power.  The 
cry  of  faith  obtains  victory.  There  is  an  open  and  effec- 
tual door  by  which  thou  shalt  enter  into  glory  ;  but  thou 
must  fight  thy  way  through.  Consider  daily,  this  is  our 
motto,  "More  than  conquerors  through  Jesus  who  hath 
loved  us."  Rom.  8  :  37.  '^  Be  strong  in  the  grace  that  is 
in  Christ  Jesus."   2  Tim.  2 :  L 


Tune  14. — Blessed   are    the   pure  in  heart;  for  they  shall  see 
God.  Matthew,  5  :  8. 

Every  institution  of  purification,  under  the  law,  re- 
ferred to  Jesus,  the  purifier  of  his  people.  Old  Testa- 
ment saints  received  inward  purity  of  heart  from  the 
same  fountain,  Jesus  ;  and  through  the  same  means,  faith 
in  him.  Without  this  inward  purity  of  heart,  "  without 
holiness,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord."  When  Jesus  comes 
to  his  temple,  even  the  hearts  of  his  people,  he  "  sits  as 
a  refiner  and  purifier."     Sinners  are  the  objects  of  his 


JUNE  14.  24.7 

love.  Sin  is  the  accursed  thing  his  soul  hates.  From  this 
he  purifies  them.  In  purity  and  holiness  his  soul  de- 
lights :  with  this  he  blesses  his  disciples.  He  then  pro* 
nounces  them  blessed.  He  tells  them  wherein  their  hap- 
piness consists :  Blessed  are  you  whose  hearts  are  pure  ; 
blessed  are  your  eyes,  for  they  shall  see  God. 

"  Who  can  bring  a  clean  thing  out  of  an  unclean  ? 
Not  one"  of  fallen  Adam's  race.  Job,  14  :  4.  Such 
power  belongs  to  God  only.  Man  in  no  degree  effects 
it.  Yet  every  believing,  regenerate  man,  is  the  blessed 
subject  of  purity  and  holiness  of  heart.  No  glory  is  due 
to  him;  but  holj^,  blessed  effects  flow  from  it,  to  God 
his  Saviour's  glory,  to  his  present  felicity,  and  to  his 
eternal  comfort  and  joy.  To  thy  shame,  disciple,  thou 
knowest,  that  being  a  child  of  an  apostate,  sinful  parent, 
sin  naturally  was  the  only  delight  of  thine  heart. 

It  is  thy  present  blessedness  to  be  a  child  of  the  holy 
God,  a  member  of  the  holy  Jesus,  a  subject  of  the  Holy 
Spirit's  new-creating  influence,  and  a  partaker  of  holy 
faith.  Hence  it  is  natural  to  thy  new-born  heart  to  love 
holiness,  as  agreeable  to  the  perfections  of  thy  God  and 
Saviour,  and  as  suitable  to  thy  present  state  of  blessed- 
ness in  Christ. 

Whence  those  sighs  and  sorrows  at  finding  the  Ca- 
naanites  still  in  the  landl  whence  those  groans  and 
prayers  because  sin  dwelleth  in  the  flesh  1  whence  those 
importunate  cries  and  longing  requests  to  Jesus,  for 
total  victory  and  perfect  freedom  from  this  trouble- 
some inmate  1  whence  that  holy  joy  and  sweet  com- 
placency in  bringing  forth  "  the  fruits  of  holiness  V 
These  are  indubitable  evidences  that  thou  art  united  to 
a  holy  Jesus,  that  thy  heart  is  purified  by  faith,  that 
thou  hast  a  heart  cleansed  from  sin  by  Christ's  blood. 
A  new  heart  and  a  right  spirit  are  put  within  thee. 
Thou  dost  see  God  in  Christ  now  as  thy  covenant  God, 
Thou  hast  received  covenant  blessings  from  him.    Re- 


248  JUNE  15. 

joice  in  him.    Shortly  thou  shalt  see  him,  and  enjoy  him 
to  all  eternity  in  his  kingdom  and  glory. 


June  15. — A?id  Mary  hath  chosen  that  good  part^  which  shall  not 
he  taken  away  from  her.  Luke,  10  :  42 

What  the  Lord  said  of  Aaron's  rod,  is  true  of  the 
hearts  of  all  his  people :  '^  The  man's  rod,  whom  I  shall 
choose,  shall  blossom."  Numb.  17 :  5.  To  see  a  dead, 
withered  stick,  cut  off  from  the  root,  bring  forth  blos- 
soms, is  a  miracle  in  nature.  So,  when  the  soul  of  a 
once  dead  sinner  shoots  forth  the  blossoms  of  affection 
to  Jesus,  and  chooses  him  as  its  portion  and  happiness, 
and  brings  forth  fruits  of  holiness,  this  is  a  miracle  of 
grace. 

The  love  of  Jesus  to  his  people  was  not  only  con- 
ceived in  his  heart  from  eternity,  but  was  manifested  on 
earth  in  his  life  and  death.  So,  when  our  hearts  are 
made  acquainted  with  this  love,  it  cannot  be  hid.  When 
Jesus  is  chosen  as  our  treasure,  our  affections  cleave  to 
him,  we  follow  him,  our  delight  is  to  hear  his  voice,  to 
sit  at  his  feet,  and  attend  upon  the  gracious  words  which 
drop  from  his  lips.  Blessed  be  his  name,  he  indulges 
his  people  now  in  real,  spiritual  communion  with  him, 
though  we  enjoy  not  his  bodily  presence.  This  is  our 
heaven  upon  earth.  But  it  differs  from  the  heaven  of 
glory  in  that  here  many  things  interrupt  our  constant 
enjoyment  of  Jesus;  Satan  envies  it;  the  flesh  lusteth 
against  it ;  the  world,  with  its  profits  and  pleasures,  al- 
lures us  from  it.  And,  indeed,  the  poor  heart  is  oft-times 
ready  to  fear,  I  shall  lose  the  grace  and  salvation  of  Je- 
sus. Though,  like  Mary,  the  soul  hath  chosen  the  good 
part  in  time,  yet  it  sometimes  doubts  of  the  enjoyment 
of  its  portion  in  a  blissful  eternity.  But  "  He  is  faithful 
that  promised." 

But  had  not  Martha  also  a  part  in  this  one  thing  need- 


JUNE  16.  249 

ful  1  Doubtless.  But  still  she  was  over  careful,  and  too 
much  cumbered  about  other  things.  This  our  Lord  re- 
proves. The  same  grace  which  was  effectual  in  Mary's 
heart,  influences  the  heart  of  every  disciple  to  the  same 
choice  5  therefore,  what  Jesus  said  to  her  in  the  days  of 
his  flesh,  is  written  by  his  Spirit  for  our  consolation  and. 
establishment  in  faith  and  love.  Mary  displayed  the 
greatness  of  her  soul  in  being  satisfied  with  no  object 
short  of  Jesus,  and  the  humility  of  her  heart  in  sitting 
at  his  feet.  Poor,  doubting,  fearing  believer,  thy  choice 
of  Jesus  is  the  effect  of  God's  choosing  thee  in  Jesus  ; 
therefore  thy  good  part,  thy  happy  choice,  shall  never 
be  taken  from  thee ;  but  thou  shalt  soon  hear  the  voice 
of  thy  Beloved,  saying,  "Come  up  hither."  "  Where  I 
am,  there  shall  my  servants  be.  If  any  man  serve  me, 
him  will  my  Father  honor."  John,  12  :  26* 

"  The  soul  that  seeks  me  shall  obtain 
"  Immortal  wealth  and  heavenly  gain ; 
"  Immortal  life  is  his  reward, 
"  Life  and  the  favor  of  his  Lord," 


June  16. — Truly  our  fellowship  is  ivith  the  Father,  and  with  his 
Son  Jesus  Christ.  1  John,  1 :  3. 

"  Can  two  walk  together,  except  they  be  agreed  V 
Amos,  3 :  3.  No.  There  can  be  no  sweet  communion,  no 
comfortable  fellowship  between  God  and  man,  except 
they  be  agreed.  See  then,  this  fellowship  is  enjoyed  by 
faith ;  for  by  faith  we  are  brought  into  agreement  with 
God.  Consider  how  the  glorious  Three  concur  to  make 
our  souls  thus  happy.  It  pleased  God  the  Father  that  all 
fulness  should  dwell  in  his  Son.  He  displays  all  his  grace 
and  glory,  in  the  man  Jesus,  for  the  sinner's  salvation. 
Hence  he  saith,  ''  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am 
well  pleased  ;  hear  ye  him." 

But  we  are  averse  to  agree  with  God,  and  to  hear  Jc 
11* 


250  JUNE   16. 

sus.  We  prefer  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of 
darkness,  and  having  the  devil  rule  over  us,  to  fellow- 
ship with  God  in  Christ.  But  the  Spirit  loves  us  with  the 
same  love  as  the  Father  and  the  Son ;  he  takes  the 
scales  of  ignorance  from  our  eyes,  and  the  veil  of  un- 
belief from  our  hearts  -,  and  then  we  fall  in  love  with 
Christ's  precious  person.  Seeing  our  sin  and  misery, 
we  gladly  hear  and  joyfully  receive  Jesus  to  be  our  Sa- 
viour. Then  we  come  to  the  exact  point  where  the  Fa- 
ther meets  and  embraces  us  ;  even  in  his  Son  Jesus.  He 
saith  to  us,  My  beloved  sons,  all  I  have  is  yours.  We  say 
to  him,  0  our  loving  Father !  all  we  are  is  thine. 

And  just  as  children  of  one  family  have  sweet  com- 
munion, loving  intercourse,  and  agreeable  fellowship 
with  each  other,  and  with  their  common  parents  ;  so 
have  we  with  our  heavenly  Father  and  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer. He  speaks  to  us  ,*  we  hear  and  obey.  We  pray- 
to  him  ;  he  hears  and  answers.  We  have  fellowship  in 
the  Father's  love,  in  the  Son's  salvation,  through  the 
Spirit's  grace.  O  what  wonder  of  love  is  this !  sinners, 
of  a  mortal  race,  enjoy  fellowship  with  the  high  and 
lofty  One  who  inhabits  eternity.  This  is  our  highest 
felicity  below.  Here  we  admire,  adore,  and  love.  An- 
gels behold  it  with  wonder  and  joy. 

But  this  fills  with  envy  and  fires  with  rage  infernal 
spirits.  Though  Satan  knows  not  our  sweet  fellowship, 
yet  he  sees  we  hate  fellowship  with  him  in  unfruitful 
works  of  darkness.  Hence  he  is  our  adversary.  And  all 
the  world  he  would  stir  up  to  implacable  enmity  against 
us.  But  faith  is  our  victory.  As  this  fellowship  is  be- 
gun in  faith,  the  Holy  Spirit  will  maintain  it  below,  till 
we  come  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  God  and  the  Lamb 
above.  "  Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession  of  our  faith 
without  wavering,  for  he  is  faithful  that  promised." 
Heb.  10  :  23 


JUNE  17.  251 

June  17. — Charity  shall  cover  the  multitude  of  sins.  1  Pet.  4  :  8. 

Many  have  awfully  deceived  their  precious  souls  by 
a  sad  perversion  of  these  words.  For  they  suppose  that 
being  charitable  to  the  poor  will  cover  the  multitude  of 
their  sins  from  the  sight  of  a  sin-avenging  God.  Most 
fatal  mistake  !  Hence,  from  such  a  vain,  unscriptural 
notion,  they  are  encouraged  in  their  sinful  practices.  It 
is  thy  mercy,  believer,  to  be  delivered  from  such  delu- 
sion by  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  To  atone  for  sin  was 
his  blessed  work.  He  hath  done  it  effectually  by  shed- 
ding his  precious  blood.  And  every  believer  in  Jesus  is 
the  only  blessed  man  whose  sins  are  covered  by  his  all- 
perfect  righteousness.  Here  is  the  true  source  and 
spring  of  charity,  or  rather  love,  love  to  God  and  man. 
"  We  love  God,  because  he  first  loved  us  j"  (1  John,  4 : 
19  j)  and  through  the  faith  of  this  we  obey  his  command- 
ment, "  Love  one  another." 

Of  this  charity,  or  love,  the  most  excellent  things  are 
spoken  in  1  Cor.  13.  It  is  in  the  heart  of  every  believer. 
Love  influences  to  put  the  best  construction  upon  the 
behavior  of  others  ;  to  hide  their  faults  with  a  veil  of 
charity ;  to  cast  a  mantle  of  kindness  over  their  failings. 
Like  the  painter  who  drew  the  picture  of  Alexander 
with  his  finger  on  the  scar  in  his  face  ;  so  love  would 
hide  the  scars  and  blemishes,  and  cover  the  sins  of 
others. 

Love  sees  no  faults.  See  it  exemplified  in  that  most 
illustrious  exemplar  of  charity,  Jesus,  in  his  deep  and 
distressing  agonies  and  conflicts  in  the  garden,  when  one 
would  have  thought  his  dear  disciples  could  not  be  so 
regardless  of  his  sufferings,  so  deaf  to  his  request,  as 
not  to  watch  with  him  one  hour.  But,  instead  of  this, 
they  indulged  themselves  with  sleep.  Here  love  cover- 
ed this  fault :  "  The  spirit  is  willing."  Love  speaks  what 
is  right.  Love  finds  an  excuse  for  what  is  wrong,  "  The 
flesh  is  weak."    And  when  the  same  most  blessed  pat« 


252  JUNE  18. 

tern  of  love  hung  expiring  in  the  greatest  agonies  on  the 
cross,  yet,  amidst  all  the  taunts  and  jeers  of  his  enemies 
and  murderers,  love  vented  itself  with  his  expiring 
breath,  "  Father,  forgive  them  ;"  adding  this  as  a  veil  or 
covering,  "  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 

Thus  hath  Jesus  left  us  an  example.  He  hath  given 
us  a  new  commandment,  "  Love  one  another."  May  the 
Spirit  of  love  keep  alive  this  heavenly  temper,  and  blow 
up  every  spark  into  a  fervent  flame,  that  all  men  may 
know  his  disciples  by  this  badge  of  charity  or  love,  and 
be  forced  to  confess,  "  See  how  these  christians  love 
one  another."    "  Love  is  of  God."   1  John,  4  :  7 

"  Love  suffers  long  with  patient  eye, 

"  Nor  is  provoked  in  haste  ; 
'*  She  lets  the  present  injury  die, 

"  And  long  forgets  the  past, 

"  Malice  and  rage,  those  fires  of  hell, 

"  She  quenches  with  her  tongue  ; 
"  Hopes,  and  believes,  and  thinks  no  ill, 

*'  Though  she  endure  the  wronsr." 


June  18. — Wherefore  he  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  who 
come  unto  God  hy  him^  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  inierces- 
sionfor  them.  Heb.  7  :  25. 

When  the  strong  blasts  of  temptations  blow;  the 
swelling  waves  of  corruption  lift  up  their  heads  ;  mali- 
cious Satan  casts  his  fiery  darts  ;  the  thunders  of  Sinai 
roar;  the  law  threatens  wrath  and  destruction;  carnal 
reason  pleads;  unbelief  pronounces  hopeless  despair  on 
them ;  happy  for  believers  to  take  up  the  language  of 
faith  expressed  by  God's  children  of  old,  "  We  are  not 
careful  to  answer  in  this  matter  ;  our  God  whom  we 
serve  is  able  to  deliver  us  ;  and  he  will  deliver  us."  Dan. 
3  :  16,  17.  Admirable  faith  and  fortitude  !  A  shining 
example  of  Old  Testament  saints,  worthy  to  be  imitated 


,       JUNE  18.  253 

by  New  Testament  disciples.  Such  a  conduct  yields 
ease  to  the  mind  and  peace  to  the  conscience ;  while  it 
confesses  Jesus  the  only  Saviour,  it  gives  him  the  glory 
due  to  his  name.  And  verily,  according  to  their  faith, 
so  it  was.  They  were  saved  to  the  uttermost.  Though 
cast  into  the  fiery  furnace,  they  had  the  presence  of  Je- 
sus ;  and  he  delivered  them  out  of  it  unhurt. 

Who  can  prescribe  bounds  to  the  salvation  of  Jesus  1 
He  saves  according  to  his  ability.  Who  can  limit  that 
which  extends  "  to  the  uttermost  1"  Thou  comer  to  God 
by  Jesus,  think  not  sin  too  strong  in  thee  for  Jesus  to 
save  thee  from  it.  He  is  almighty  to  save,  even  "  to  the 
uttermost."  Art  thou  not  willing  thus  to  be  saved  1 
Verily,  faith  longs  for  it,  love  desires  it,  hope  expects  it. 
Stagger  not  through  unbelief.  Our  object  of  faith  is  a 
once  crucified  Jesus,  an  ever-living,  interceding  Man 
and  Mediator,  and  who  is  also  the  omnipotent  God.  Is 
any  thing  too  hard  for  the  Lord  1  Why  then  should  sin 
hold  thee  one  moment  under  its  power  1  why  should  it 
at  all  distress  thy  mind]  Nay,  it  could  not,  but  for  thy 
unbelief. 

Is  not  the  strength  of  Jesus  the  most  powerful  encou- 
ragement for  poor  sinners  to  come  to  God  continually  1 
A  throne  of  grace  is  ever  open.  A  God  of  love  seated 
on  it.  Jesus  ever  lives,  and  always  prays.  A  salvation 
to  the  uttermost  perfection  is  promised,  and  the  infinite- 
ly powerful  Jehovah  able  to  effect  it.  Coming  to  God 
by  Jesus — 0  this  is  a  sweet  mystery  for  faith  to  feed 
upon,  and  be  nourished  and  strengthened  by !  We  are 
confident  of  access  ;  perfectly  sure  of  acceptance  by  Je- 
sus. We  are  not  left  to  perhaps,  or  peradventure,  be- 
cause it  is  not  founded  upon  ourselves,  what  we  have 
done,  or  can  do,  but  upon  the  eternal  life,  everlasting 
love,  and  unchangeable  priesthood  of  Jesus.  "  The  just 
shall  live  by  faith."  Heb.  10  :  38. 


254.  JUNE  19. 

June  19. — Put  ye  on  ilie  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Romans,  13  :  14. 

Man  is  an  active  being.  Happiness  is  his  pursuit 
"  Who  will  show  pie  any  goodV  his  continual  inquiry — 
to  seek  it  from  wrong  objects  his  constant  practice. 
Hence,  naturally,  we  are  ever  restless  and  uneasy.  The 
new-born  soul  only  has  found  the  centre  of  true  felicity, 
real  good,  and  permanent  happiness,  in  the  knowledge 
and  enjoyment  of  his  Saviour  !  Here  paradise  is  regain- 
ed j  a  heaven  of  bliss  restored  to  his  soul. 

It  is  the  peculiar  glory  of  the  Gospel  that  it  ever  pre- 
sents a  precious  object  to  our  mind,  even  Christ,  from 
whom  alone  we  derive  peace  of  conscience,  joy  of  heart, 
and  transport  of  soul.  Is  there,  believer,  a  day  in  the 
year,  an  hour  in  the  day  wherein  thou  wouldst  pray  to 
be  excused  from  putting  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as 
the  perfection  of  thy  nature  and  the  adorning  of  thy 
souH  surely  not. 

As  one  made  alive  from  the  dead,  the  Holy  Ghost, 
by  the  word,  stirs  up  thy  '^  pure  mind  by  way  of  re- 
membrance." Thou  art  not  called  to  dream  over  dry, 
heathenish  lectures  of  morality  5  nor,  from  philosophic 
rules,  to  acquire  this  and  the  other  habit  of  virtue ; 
neither  art  thou  left  to  licentious  liberty,  to  make  pro- 
vision for  the  flesh,  to  fulfil  the  lusts  thereof.  But  it  is 
to  be  the  daily  exercise  of  thy  believing  mind  to  "  put 
on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  as  the  essence  of  every  vir- 
tue J  for  in  this  consists  all  thy  present  comfort  and  ho- 
liness. And  by  this  thou  wilt  become  dead  to  all  the 
pleasing,  inviting  objects  that  stand  so  thick  around 
thee,  to  beguile  thy  mind  and  draw  thy  heart  from  its 
best  Friend. 

The  miser  calls  his  gold  his  own,  it  is  his  god.  Hence 
he  exercises  all  his  affections  upon  it,  and  derives  all 
his  happiness  from  it.  The  man  of  pleasure  is  in  con- 
tinual search  after  the  enjoyment  of  new  delights  from 
the  gay  surrounding  objects  of  aperishing  world.    Infi- 


JUNE  20.  255 

nitely  greater  blessings  are  christians  called  to.    0  be- 
liever, Jesus  is  thine. 

In  the  exercise  of  thy  mind  and  the  affections  of  thy 
soul,  put  on  thy  Lord  continually,  as  thy  righteousness, 
strength,  riches,  pleasure,  honour,  thy  glory,  and  thy 
all.  Oppose  Christ  to  all  the  pleasures  of  the  world ;  to 
all  the  delights  of  sense  ;  and  every  scene  of  vanity. 
Put  on  Christ  in  thy  conscience  ;  there  plead  the  atone- 
ment of  his  precious  blood,  against  the  guilt  of  sin  j  the 
perfection  of  his  righteousness,  to  every  demand  of  the 
law  ;  the  prevalency  of  his  intercession,  against  all  thy 
fears  J  the  freeness  and  fulness  of  his  promises,  against 
all  thy  doubts.  Boldly  withstand  every  accusation  from 
Satan  with,  Christ  hath  died,  yea,  rather,  is  risen  again  j 
and  ever  lives  to  make  intercession  for  us :  ''  Who  is  he 
that  condemneth  V  Kom.  8  :  34. 


June  20. —  The  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand:  he  ye  therefore 
sober,  and  ivatch  unto  prayer.   1  Peter,  4  :  7. 

Yesterday  we  were  born.  To-day  we  live.  To-mor- 
row we  die.  The  sum  total  of  human  life  is  justly  cal- 
culated by  the  hoary-headed  patriarch  Jacob,  "  Few 
and  evil  have  the  days  of  the  years  of  my  life  been." 
Gen.  47  :  9.  A  truth  this  that  lies  level  with  the  com- 
mon observation  and  judgment  of  all  men  ;  but  is  ad- 
mitted into  the  regenerate  heart  and  conscience  onlj-, 
with  the  importance  it  possesses,  so  as  suitably  to  affect 
the  mind  and  influence  the  conduct.  Hence  the  abso- 
lute necessity  of  divine  faith  ;  the  continual  need  of  ex- 
ercising our  meditations  upon  the  certain  approaching 
dissolution  of  all  things. 

It  is  thus  we  learn  to  die  daily  to  the  perishing  ob- 
jects of  time  and  sense;  and  to  live  like  ourselves,  im- 
mortal inhabitants  of  "  a  city  that  hath  foundations, 
whose  builder  and  maker  is  God."    To  live  and  lean 


256  JQNE  20. 

upon  our  beloved  Jesus,  as  the  stay  of  our  soul  and  the 
strength  of  our  hope,  is  true  happiness.  While  all  things 
below  perish  in  the  using,  invisible  realities  ripen  in 
prospect,  and  most  powerfully  engage  our  affections,  be- 
cause they  are  durable  and  eternal. 

Hence  the  believer  is  excited  to  watchfulness,  that 
he  may  stand  j  to  prayer,  that  he  may  be  kept ;  and  to 
sobriety,  that  he  may  persevere.  Thou  knowest,  that  the 
sin  of  open  vice  and  excess  is  great ;  but  know  also,  that 
the  cares,  riches,  pleasures,  and  honors  of  this  world  as 
really  intoxicate  the  mind  as  outward,  gross  sins  do  the 
body.  What  need,  what  daily  need  hast  thou  to  watch 
constantly,  be  sober  continually,  and  pray  alway  !  Pride 
is  contrary  to  sobriety  of  judgment  of  thyself.  Lust  and 
intemperance  are  inconsistent  with  the  soundness  of  thy 
faith,  the  stability  of  thy  hope,  and  the  exercise  of  thy 
love.  These  are  ever  at  hand  to  beset  thee.  Say,  there- 
fore, when  canst  thou  dispense  with  a  watchful  frame 
of  spirit  1  when  intermit  prayer  and  humble  depend- 
ence on  thy  God ;  sweet  exercise  of  watching  unto 
prayer  for  divine  power;  in  prayer,  for  sweet  enlarge- 
ments ;  after  prayer,  for  a  gracious  answer  from  our 
Lordl 

Ever  may  this  just  reflection  be  on  thy  mind,  when 
tempted  or  inclined  to  cast  in  thy  lot  with  the  carnal, 
and  to  indulge  thyself  in  attending  the  bewitching  scenes 
of  sin,  folly  and  vanity.  Am  1  now  acting  like  one  who 
knows  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand  1  do  I  conduct  as 
one  in  his  right  mindl  am  I  watching  unto  prayer  1  can 
I  desire,  pray  for,  and  expect  the  sense  of  Jesus'  love 
and  presence  to  be  with  me  1  Remember  thy  calling :  it 
is  to  love  and  live  upon  an  unseen  Jesus ;  and  to  act  as 
daily  expecting  to  receive  the  end  of  thy  faith,  the  sal- 
vation of  thy  soul    1  Peter,  1  :  9. 


JUNE  21.  257 

June    21. — But  thanks  he  to  God,  who    giveth  us  the  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  1  Cor.  15:  57. 

Death,  though  conquered  and  disarmed  of  its  strength 
and  sting  by  our  victorious  Lord,  so  that  it  cannot  de- 
stroy or  even  wound  or  hurt  the  soul  of  any  one  of  his 
dear  members,  is  yet  an  enemy,  a  formidable,  disagree- 
able enemy  to  nature.  When  left  to  our  natural  con- 
ceptions, death  appears  to  us  with  the  grim  visage  of 
"  the  king  of  terrors."  We  cannot  get  rid  of  our  fears ; 
nor  are  we  able  to  make  him  put  on  a  more  amiable  as- 
pect. But  when,  in  the  simplicity  of  little  children,  we 
go  to  our  heavenly  Father,  and  tell  him  how  we  are 
affrighted  and  terrified  at  the  thought  and  approach  of 
this  dreadful  enemy,  he  drives  away  our  fears  and  ter- 
rors, and  relieves  our  minds. 

But  how  does  our  affectionate  Father  effect  this  %  By 
telling  us  that  we  are  perfect  and  sinless,  and  therefore 
have  overcome  death,  shall  never  die,  have  nothing  to 
fear,  as  death  cannot  hurt  us  1  No.  Though  we  are  sin- 
ners in  ourselves,  and  as  such  must  die  ;  though  we  are 
without  strength  to  grapple  with  and  subdue  this  power- 
ful enemy;  and  though  our  bodies  must  fall  victims  to 
his  stroke,  yet,  ''  praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ;  praise 
him,  all  his  saints  ;"  he  giveth  us  the  victory.  He  puts 
songs  of  triumph  into  our  hearts  and  lips ;  not  for  what 
we  have  done,  but  our  Father  refers  us  to  the  glorious 
achievements  of  our  Redeemer  and  Lord.  He  hath 
obtained  a  perfect  conquest  for  all  the  children  of  his 
Father's  family  ;  and  victory  is  not  only  proclaimed,  but 
given.  Jesus  is  the  unspeakable  gift  of  the  Father's 
love  ;  victory  over  death  is  given  through  him:  faith  to 
believe  it  in  the  heart,  and  triumph  over  it  in  the  con- 
science, is  his  free  gift  also.  Thus  the  Spirit  testifies  of 
and  glorifies  Jesus.  Thus  his  members  rejoice  in  the 
truth,  and  are  comforted  by  the  truth. 

Death  was  brought  into  the  world  by  the  father  oi 


258  JUNE  22. 

lies.  He  is  vanquished  and  destroyed  by  Jesus,  who  is 
essentially  the  truth.  ''  The  soul  that  sinneth  shall  die." 
"  Die  man,  or  justice  must." 
The  man  Jesus,  the  sinner's  Surety,  fell  a  sacrifice 
to  this  truth.  Hence  truth  is  fulfilled  in  his  death. 
Justice  is  satisfied.  Death  disarmed  of  its  sting,  which 
is  sin.  Jesus  hath  "put  away  sin,  by  the  sacrifice  of  him- 
self." Heb.  9  :  26.  And  the  strength  of  sin,  which  is  the 
law,  Jesus  hath  perfectly  fulfilled  in  his  life  for  us.  He 
hath  fully  answered  all  its  demands.  By  him  all  its 
accusations  are  silenced.  Precious  Christ !  Happy  be- 
liever !  What  harm  can  the  most  fierce,  poisonous  mon- 
ster do  thee  when  it  has  lost  its  sting  and  is  with- 
out strength  I  Most  precious  truth  I  Death  is  yours. 
1  Cor.  3  :  22. 

"  Now  to  the  God  of  victory 
"  Immortal  thanks  be  paid; 
"  Who  makes  us  conquerors  while  we  die, 
"  Througrh  Christ  our  living  Head." 


JuxE  22. — The)i  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right  hand^ 
Come^  ye  Messed  of  my  Father^  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared. 
for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  icorld.  Matt.  25  :  34. 
We  have  a  joyful  word  to  our  hearts  now:  "  Come^ 
let  us  reason  together,  saith  the  Lord:  though  your 
sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  white  as  snow ;  though 
they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool."  Isa. 
1  :  18.  There  is  another  precious  word  from  Jesus  to 
our  souls,  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are 
heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  But  this  last 
Come^  from  the  lips  of  our  King  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, will  be  the  most  joyful,  crowning  word  of  all! 
Every  soul  who  has  tasted  his  love  on  earth,  shall  then 
drink  his  fill  at  the  fountain-head,  in  a  blissful,  never- 
ending  eternity  of  glory. 

"  Ye  blessed  of  my  Father  3"  beloved  from  eternity. 


JUNE  22.  259 

and  blessed  to  eternity.  Chosen  in  me  ;  blessed  in  me 
with  all  spiritual  blessings.  I  was  given  to  you.  I  sought 
you,  and  gathered  you  to  myself  in  time.  Now  come, 
live  and  reign  with  me  for  ever  in  my  kingdom.  Is  not 
the  thought  of  this  enough  to  make  us  wish  to  break 
through  the  walls  of  our  prison,  the  body  1  Pause,  O 
soul  !  call  together  all  thy  faculties  j  rather,  O  Divine 
Spirit,  realize  the  view,  bring  near  the  solemn,  joyful 
day  to  our  minds.  Give  us,  even  now,  to  dwell  on  it 
with  rapture  of  affection  and  ardor  of  love. 

"  Inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you :"  not  bought 
by  your  good  works ;  not  purchased  by  your  well-doings  ; 
not  obtained  by  your  faithfulness  ;  but  the  free  gift  of 
my  Father's  love  and  good  pleasure  ;  richly  prepared 
by  his  free  grace  and  bounty,  purposely  reserved  for 
you.  Come  ye  all.  Not  one  of  my  little  flock  shall  be 
rejected  ;  there  is  a  mansion  for  each  of  you.  Ere  you 
had  a  being,  or  time  commenced,  the  kingdom  was  es- 
tablished, the  heirs  chosen,  places  prepared.  I  visited 
you  on  earth  ;  so  that  you  loved  me,  though  you  saw  me 
not.  I  invisibly  wrought  in  your  hearts,  and  drew  them 
out  in  love  to  myself,  my  cause,  and  my  brethren ;  so 
you  approved  yourselves  my  disciples,  by  following  my 
example.  Come  ye,  enter,  possess,  enjoy  what  you  were 
born  for,  born  again  to  be  meet  for.  O  methinks  it 
strikes  one's  heart  with  heavenly  joy  to  conceive  of  the 
loud  hosannas  and  shoutings,  (0  that  we  may  catch  the 
heavenly  flame,)  "  Salvation  to  our  God,  who  sitteth 
upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb."  "  Unto  Him  that 
loved  us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood, 
and  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God  and  his 
Father  ;  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever 
Amen."  Rev.  1  :  5,  6. 

"  Now  to  the  Lord,  that  makes  us  know 

"  The  wonders  of  his  dying  love, 
"  Be  humble  honors  paid  below, 

"  And  strains  of  nobler  praise  above." 


260  JUNE  23. 

June  23. —  Things  that  accompany  salvatioii.  Hebrews,  6:9. 
Mary  mistook  Christ  for  the  gardener.  John,  20  :  15. 
We  are  very  apt  to  mistake  our  graces  for  our  Saviour. 
Some  put  their  faith  in  the  place  of  Christ's  righteous- 
ness, as  if  we  were  justified  by  our  faith,  and  not  by  the 
righteousness  of  Christ.  But  hereby  the  glory  of  Christ 
is  eclipsed.  The  sinner's  eye  is  turned  from  the  Saviour 
to  himself.  His  trust  is  placed  in  his  graces  instead  of 
Christ.  He  mistakes  the  things  which  accompany  sal- 
vation, for  salvation  itself. 

What  are  the  things  which  accompany  salvation  \ 
Naturally,  we  have  none  of  them.  We  have  only  the 
things  which  accompany  damnation.  We  never  work 
them  in  ourselves.  They  are  the  train  of  graces  which 
attend  the  King  of  saints.  The  Saviour  brings  them  with 
himself  into  the  saved  sinner's  heart. 

They  are  the  graces  of  his  Spirit :  Faith  in  Jesus,  as 
a  redeeming,  justifying,  sanctifying  Saviour.  Repent- 
ance towards  God,  as  receiving  and  pardoning  sinners 
in  Christ :  hatred  of  sin,  and  turning  from  sin  to  Christ. 
Hope^  which  is  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  keeping  it  steady 
in  the  expectation  of  what  the  word  promises  and  faith 
believes.  Love  to  God,  excited  by  his  love  to  us  in 
Christ.  Peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Joy  in  God,  having  now  received  the  atonement  by  faith. 
Heaven! y-mi7ided?iess,  by  living  on  Jesus.  Deadness  to 
sin^  by  the  body  of  Christ.  Deadness  to  the  world,  be- 
ing crucified  with  Christ.  Living  to  holiness,  being- 
alive  unto  God  through  Jesus  Christ.  Love  to  our 
brethren  and  fellow-sinners,  having  passed  from  death 
to  life.  And  add  to  all  the  rest,  constant  dissatisfaction 
with  ourselves,  seeing  we  still  are  miserable  sinners,  im- 
perfect creatures,  unprofitable  servants. 

We  look  on  nothing  within  us  as  our  title  to  glory, 
but  look  wholly  and  solely  to  Jesus.  These  graces  we 
receive  out  of  his  fulness.   These  are  evidences  of  inte- 


JUNE  24.  261 

rest  in  him,  make  us  meet  for  heaven,  and  accompany 
salvation.  For  we  have  fellowship  with  God  and  his 
Son  Jesus  Christ.  Paul  was  persuaded  of  these  things 
concerning  his  christian  brethren.  See  then  the  glorious 
nature  of  Christianity.  The  faith  of  the  Gospel  and  the 
hope  of  salvation  are  not  empty  notions.  But  "  whom 
God  justified,  them  he  also  glorified."  Rom.  8  :  30. 
Those  whom  he  adorns  with  the  glorious  robe  of  Christ's 
righteousness,  he  makes  glorious  with  the  graces  of  his 
Spirit.  What  God  hath  joined  together  let  not  man  put 
asunder."    Matt.   19  :  6. 


June  24. — To  this  man  will  IlooJc,  even  to  him  that  is  poor ^  and 
of  a  contrite  spirit,  and  tremhleth  at  my  icord.  Isa.  QQ  :  2. 

The  Lord,  whose  throne  is  in  the  highest  heaven  and 
whose  footstool  is  the  earth,  here  inquires  after  a  place 
of  residence  and  rest.  As  though  about  to  quit  his 
throne,  he  looks  to  man.  Behold  he  tabernacles  in  man. 
He  makes  the  human  nature  his  temple.  Hence  he 
"looks"  to  his  brethren  in  the  flesh,  however  poor, 
miserable,  and  distressed.  As  his  look  of  love  is  towards 
them,  so  he  brings  them  to  look  for  mercy  from  him. 

But  we  are  all  naturally  too  rich  in  our  own  eyes  to 
be  indebted  to  his  grace,  too  stubborn  of  spirit  to  bow 
to  his  sceptre,  and  too  stout-hearted  to  hearken  to  his 
voice  and  submit  to  his  righteousness.  Well,  glory  to 
the  Lord,  he  has  mercy  for  rebels  as  well  as  heaven  for 
saints  ;  yea,  of  stubborn  rebels  he  makes  humble  saints  : 
"  The  day  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  be  upon  every  one 
that  is  proud  and  lofty,  and  upon  every  one  that  is  lifted 
up,  and  he  shall  be  brought  low."    Isa.  2  :  12. 

O  soul,  dost  thou  see  thy  poverty,  infinitely  in  debt 
to  law  and  justice,  and  liable  to  be  cast  into  the  prison 
of  hell !  Give  glory  to  the  Lord.  The  day  of  the  Lord 
is  upon  thee  j  the  light  of  truth  has  shined  into  thee  j 


262  JUNE  25. 

and  as  though  there  was  not  another  man  upon  the 
earth,  the  Lord  looks  to  thee,  even  to  thee,  thou  poor 
sinner. 

Thou  sayest  I  abhor  myself,  I  tremble  to  look  at  mj''- 
self,  I  am  so  poor,  so  miserable,  and  so  wretched.  Sure- 
ly the  Lord  must  turn  away  his  eyes  from  me  with 
loathing  and  abhorrence.  No,  '^  To  this  man  will  I  look," 
saith  the  Lord.  Yes,  saith  the  humble  soul,  If  I  had  but 
"  a  contrite  spirit,"  if  I  did  but  tremble  at  God's  word, 
I  might  think  so,  I  should  hope  so  ;  but  I  can  see  nothing 
in  myself  why  the  Lord  should  look  upon  me  and  love 
me.  I  tremble  to  be  found  in  myself. 

O,  if  the  Lord  had  not  looked  on  thee  as  he  did  on 
Peter,  thou  wouldst  never  have  had  such  a  contrite 
spirit,  nor  such  a  trembling  heart.  Jesus  beholds  and 
loves  his  image  there.  He  was  once  a  poor  man  as  thou 
art.  He  had  not  where  to  recline  his  weary  head,  or  to 
find  comfort  for  his  sorrowful  soul,  but  in  and  from  the 
loving  breast  of  his  dear  Father.  That  is  thy  case  ;  in- 
stead of  being  a  proud  Pharisee,  why  art  thou  a  poor 
sinner  1  Instead  of  making  a  mock  at  sin,  why  is  thy 
heart  broken  for  sin  1  Instead  of  despising  the  Lord's 
word,  why  dost  thou  tremble  to  be  found  out  of  Christ  *? 
All,  all  is  because  the  Lord  looks  to  thee.  0  look,  look 
unto  him  and  be  saved  from  all  thy  doubts  and  fears  ! 
Thy  poverty  and  contrition  are  not  the  grounds,  but  are 
blessed  evidences  of  salvation.  Oar  Lord  assures  us, 
''  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  for  theirs  is  the  king- 
dom of  heaven."  Matt.  5  :  3. 


JuxE  25. — In  ichom  also,  after  that  yc  helievcd,  yc  were  scaled 
xcilh  that  Holy  Spirit  of  promise.   Eph.  1  :  13. 

Some  consider  this  sealing  as  the  highest  assurance, 
which  but  few  obtain.  Others,  as  a  state  of  perfection  in 
holiness,  and  entire  freedom  from  the  being  of  sin,  which 


JUNE  25.  263 

indeed  no  one  enjoys  in  this  life.  But  it  is  plain  the 
apostle  means  nothing  more  than  what  all  believers  in 
common  are  favored  with.  In  believing  ye  were  sealed, 
says  the  learned  Mr.  Hervey.  That  is,  as  soon  as  ye  re- 
ceived the  truth  in  the  love  of  it,  ye  were  sealed  by  the 
Spirit  as  the  children  of  God,  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Consider  vjJiat  is  implied  in  being  sealed.  The  use 
of  a  seal  is  to  make  an  impression  of  its  contents. 
Sealing  an  instrument  is  making  it  valid,  and  acknow- 
ledging it  as  our  act  and  deed.  The  heart  of  a  believing 
sinner,  melted  by  the  word  and  Spirit  of  God,  is  the 
subject  of  this  sealing.  The  contents  of  this  seal  is  grace 
and  truth,  which  came  by  Jesus  Christ.  John,  1  :  17. 
This  is  sealed  upon  the  heart  by  the  act  and  deed  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  This  impress  of  salvation  by  the  grace  and 
truth  of  the  Son  of  God,  is  made  so  deep  and  lasting  on 
the  believing  heart,  that  time  with  all  its  changes,  sin 
with  all  its  malignity,  the  world  with  all  its  charms  and 
frowns,  and  Satan  with  all  his  power  and  fraud  can 
never,  never  efface  it.  It  will  remain  as  the  impress  of 
the  seal  on  the  wax.  It  answers  to  the  revelation  of 
Jesus  made  in  the  word,  as  the  impressed  wax  to  the 
seal.  Such  a  sealed  heart  is  God's  jewel.  He  has  dis- 
tinguished it  as  his  own.  It  will  receive  no  other  im- 
pression but  from  the  broad  seal  of  heaven,  salvation 
by  the  blood  and  righteousness  of  the  Son  of  God  only. 
Now,  is  this  seal  upon  your  heart  1  Do  you  reject  with 
abhorrence  every  other  hope  1  Do  you  believe  in,  look 
to,  and  trust  Jesus  for  all  your  salvation!  Rejoice  :  you 
are  sealed.  For,  consider  further, 

All  believers  are  sealed.  The  sealer  is  the  Spirit  of 
promise.  He  is  alike  promised  to  all  the  believing  mem- 
bers of  Christ.  They  are  heirs  of  promise.  They  have 
fled  to  Jesus  for  refuge,  and  laid  hold  of  him  as  their 
hope:  and  nothing  but  consolation,  yea,  strong  consola- 
tion awaits  them  from  the  God  of  promise.     He  is  the 


264  JUNE  26. 

Holy  Spirit.  By  this  sealing  he  impresses  the  heart 
with  the  love  of  Christ,  of  truth,  and  of  holiness.  And 
he  hereby  fulfils  our  Lord's  prayer  for  his  mennbers, 
''  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth."    John,  17  :  17. 

Therefore,  though  in  heaviness  through  manifold 
temptations ;  though  in  dejection  from  many  enemies, 
let  not  go  your  confidence  of  faith.  Count  not  yourself 
an  unbeliever.  Think  not  yourself  under  the  curse  of 
the  law.  Deny  not  the  Spirit's  work.  For  if  you  believe 
on  Jesus  in  your  heart,  "ye  are  sealed  unto  the  day 
of  redemption."    Eph.  4  :  30. 


June  2Q. — Lord,  remember  me  when  thou  comest  into  thy 
kingdom.  Luke,  23  :  42. 

When  Joseph  had  interpreted  the  chief  butler's  dream, 
how  pathetically  does  he  plead  with  hitn  !  "  Think  of  me 
when  it  shall  be  well  with  thee."  Gen.  40  :  14.  But  alas ! 
such  is  the  base  ingratitude  of  man,  that  all  was  in  vain. 
When  restored  to  his  dignity  at  court  he  thought  no 
more  of  poor  Joseph  in  prison.  Exalted  stations  raise 
the  mind  above  feeling  for  the  distressed.  But  it  is  not 
so  with  the  King  of  kings.  He  is  ever  the  friend  of  poor 
sinners.  He  remembers  us  in  our  low  estate.  Behold, 
for  us  he  hangs  on  the  accursed  tree  between  two  ac- 
cursed sinners.  One  was  taken,  the  other  left.  See  your 
own  state  in  both. 

Behold  in  one  the  marvellous  power  of  the  Lord's 
sovereign  grace.  Here  is  a  reviler  of  Jesus  changed 
into  a  suppliant  to  him.  There  was  no  alteration  in  any 
outward  circumstances.  All  things  continued  just  the 
same.  Christ  hung,  to  all  appearance,  as  a  mere  man 
dying  at  his  side.  What  then  caused  the  change  in  himl 
0  hide  your  heads  and  blush  at  the  proud  notions  of 
your  own  righteousness !  fall  down  and  adore  distin- 
guishing grace.     One  malefactor  is  left  to  himself,  and 


JUNE  27.  265 

expires  blaspheming  Jesus :  the  other  dies  believing  in 
him  and  praying  to  him.  He  was  snatched,  by  grace, 
from  the  gates  of  death  and  hell,  as  a  brand  which  our 
Saviour  would  not  suffer  to  be  burned.  Now,  do  you 
see  your  nature  to  be  as  wicked  and  your  state  as  des- 
perate as  this  thief's  1  then  you  will  be  humbled.  Do 
you  see  that  nothing  but  the  same  grace  of  Christ  can 
save  you  %  then  you  will  exalt  the  free  grace  of  Christ. 

See  the  effects  of  this  grace.  He  owns  the  justness 
of  his  sentence,  reproves  his  fellow-criminal,  and  pro- 
claims the  innocence  of  Christ.  O  fall  down  and  own 
that  the  sentence  of  the  law  which  curses  you  for  sin  is 
just.  Repel  the  pride  and  self-righteousness  of  your 
heart.     Exalt  the  love  and  grace  of  our  Saviour. 

Hear  his  prayer.  '^  Lord,  though  thou  diest  as  an 
ignominious  man,  yet  thou  art  the  Lord  of  life  and  glo- 
ry. Remember  me.  There  is  no  Saviour  but  thee,  no 
salvation  but  by  thee.  I  am  a  hopeless,  helpless  sinner ; 
unless  thou  save  me,  I  must  be  damned  eternallJ^  Thou 
art  a  King.  Thou  hast  a  kingdom.  O  bring  my  soul 
into  it !"  Now,  have  you  just  the  same  plea  this  thief 
had  1  Have  you  no  other  1  Do  you  desire  no  better  1 
Do  you  expect  salvation  from  the  same  Saviour,  on  the 
very  same  terms  1  Then  you  are  taught  by  the  same 
Spirit,  have  the  same  faith  in,  and  shall  soon  be  in  glory 
with  the  same  Lord,  who  "  is  rich  "  in  mercy  "  unto  all 
who  call  on  him."  Rom.  10  :  12. 


June  27. — If  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  ts 
none  of  his.  R-om.  8  :  9. 
This  is  one  of  the  most  awful  truths  in  the  Bible.  He 
who  hath  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  doth  not  know  Christ, 
will  not  believe  on  him,  cannot  love  him.  Then  that 
dreadful  sentence  stands  against  him  ;  and,  living  and 
dying  so,  will  certainly  fall  upon  him — ■"  If  any  man  love 

S.  Treasury.  JO 


^66  JUNE  ^r 

not  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him  he  anathema,  maratt- 
atha,"  that  is,  under  the  most  dreadful  curse,  till  the 
Lord  cometh  to  execute  the  severest  vengeance  of  it. 
1  Cor.  16  :  22.  Jesus,  Master,  save  us  from  this.  Holy 
Spirit,  rather  let  us  be  destitute  of  every  blessing  than 
want  love  to  Christ.  O  shed  a  Saviour's  love  abroad  in 
our  hearts,  and  that  shall  kindle  ours. 

What  is  it  to  have  the  Spirit  of  Christ  1  How  may 
we  know  that  we  have  the  Spirit  of  Christ  1  Consider 
the  appellation  here  given — the  Spirit  of  Christ.  This 
will  greatly  help  us  to  solve  these  questions.  You  may 
perceive  the  spirit  of  a  man  by  his  temper  and  conduct. 
The  men  of  this  world  have  the  spirit  of  this  world. 
Their  walk  and  conduct  show  it.  They  set  their  affec- 
tions on  the  world,  seek  all  their  happiness  in  it,  and  ex- 
pect all  their  comfort  from  its  riches,  honors  and  plea- 
sures. So  it  is  with  us  all  by  nature.  We  have  not  the 
Spirit  of  Christ.  But  when  the  fulness  of  time  comes, 
according  to  his  covenant  engagements  with  God  the 
Father  and  God  the  Son,  God  the  Spirit  is  pleased  to 
visit  our  souls.  Then  he  opens  our  eyes  to  see  both 
our  own  sin  and  misery,  and  to  behold  the  righteous- 
ness and  happiness  there  is  in  Christ.  He  enables  us  to 
believe  in  Christ,  to  delight  in  the  things  of  Christ,  and 
cry  out,  None  but  Christ,  none  but  Christ  be  my  portion 
in  time  and  to  eternity. 

Have  we  a  sigh  in  our  hearts  after  Christ  to  be  our 
wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption  1 
This  is  the  Spirit  of  Christ.  Do  we  groan  under  a  body 
of  sin  and  death,  and  cry  out,  Oh  wretched  that  we  are, 
who  shall  deliver  us  1  Do  we  thank  God  for  Jesus  Christ 
as  the  only  Saviour,  justifier  and  deliverer  1  Then  we 
have  the  Spirit  of  Christ.  Can  we  come  to  a  throne  of 
grace,  seeing  ourselves  miserable  sinners,  yet  believing 
that  "  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sin," 
&nd  the  righteousDess   of  Christ  justifies  from  all  con- 


JUNE  28.  267 

demnation,  and  therefore  cry,  God  be  merciful  to  me  a 
sinner  ;  Jesus,  save  me  or  I  perish  1  This  is  from  the 
faith  of  Christ.  This  is  the  prayer  of  faith.  The  Spirit 
of  Christ  has  inspired  it.  We  have  the  Spirit  of  Christ. 
Do  we  delight  to  hear  of  Christ,  to  have  fellowship  with 
Christ,  to  live  upon  Christ,  to  walk  with  Christ,  and  to 
have  the  power  of  Christ's  grace  subdue  the  power  of 
sin  in  our  hearts,  lips,  and  lives  1  Then  verily  we  have 
the  Spirit  of  Christ.  "  The  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spi- 
rit, and  the  Spirit  against  the  flesh,  so  that  ye  cannot  do 
the  things  that  ye  would."  Gal.  5  :  17. 


June  28. — Jesus  said,  my  mother  and  my  brethren  are  these  who 
hear  the  word  of  God  and  do  it.  Luke,  8  :  21, 

Looking  at  things  which  are  not  seen  keeps  the  soul 
from  fainting  and  invigorates  it  to  every  holy  duty.  Do 
I  believe  Christ  now  thinks  of  me  and  is  this  moment 
pleading  my  cause  in  heaven  1  how  then  can  I  live 
estranged  from  him  on  earth'?  "  True,"  replies  one,  "  if 
I  did  but  know  that  Christ  loved  me."  How  do  you 
expect  to  know  it  1  Do  you  believe  he  loved  his  mother 
and  his  brethren  after  the  flesh  1  It  cannot  be  doubted. 
See  then  how  near  and  dear  to  Christ,  in  a  spiritual 
sense,  are  all  who  hear  the  word  of  God  and  do  it.  They 
are  no  less  intimately  allied  to  him  by  faith,  and  in 
spirit,  than  his  mother  and  his  brethren  were  by  blood. 

To  hear  the  word  of  God  implies,  to  have  such  an 
understanding  of  it,  faith  in  it,  hope  from  it,  and  love  to 
it,  as  to  cause  our  souls  to  delight  in  God,  and  our  affec- 
tions to  cleave  unto  him.  Paul  speaks  of  tasting  the 
good  word  of  God.  Heb.  6  :  5.  There  is  a  precious 
savor  in  the  word.  To  hear  it  is  to  have  a  spiritual 
relish  for  it.  Just  as  food  is  savory  to  the  palate,  so  is 
the  word  of  God  to  the  soul. 

The  word  testifies   of  the   word  j  the   letter  of  the 


268  JUNE  29. 

word,  of  the  spirit  of  the  word :  the  written  word,  of 
the  essential  Word :  even  the  Lord  Jesus.  In  the  word 
God  speaks  of  Christ,  by  Christ,  and  of  himself  in 
Christ.  Therefore  to  hear  the  word  of  God,  is  to  receive 
Christ  into  the  heart  by  faith,  to  know  the  Father^s  love 
in  him,  and  to  expect  full  and  final  salvation  by  him. 

There  is  also  a  still  and  small  voice,  in  which  our  be- 
loved speaks  internally  the  words  of  his  GospeL  He 
says,  "  My  sheep  hear  my  voice."  We  know  the  voice 
of  our  Shepherd.  It  is  the  delight  of  our  souls  to  hear 
him.  Is  this  all  1  Do  we  only  hear  %  Blessed  be  God, 
we  are  born  again  by  the  word  of  God.  1  Pet.  1  :  23. 
Therefore  we  not  only  hear  the  word  of  God,  but  do  it. 
What  is  implied  in  this  1  That  God's  precepts  are 
regarded  by  us  as  well  as  his  promises.  The  one  being 
fulfilled  in  us,  causes  the  other  to  be  dear  to  us.  In  one 
word,  where  there  is  a  heart  to  hear  the  word  of  God, 
there  is  a  desire  to  do  the  will  of  God.  These  are 
inseparable. 

Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves.  "  This  is  his  command- 
ment, that  we  should  believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  and  love  one  another."  1  John,  3  :  23.  In 
believing  we  have  everlasting  life.  John,  6  :  40.  In  be- 
lieving we  enjoy  the  blessings  of  it.  2  Cor.  6:6.  In 
doing  the  will  of  God  we  evidence  that  we  are  born  of 
God.  1  John,  2  :  17.  0  may  ''  the  word  of  Christ  dwell 
in  us  richly,  in  all  wisdom."    Col.  3  :  16. 


June  29. — The  hingdom  of  heaven  suffereth  violence,  a7id  the 
violejit  take  it  by  force.    Matthew,  11  :  12. 

We  say,  hunger  will  break  through  stone  walls.  Des- 
perate circumstances  make  men  violent.  Thus  it  is  with 
a  convinced  sinner.  He  sees  himself  in  the  city  of  de- 
struction. And  Moses  has  set  his  house  on  fire  about  his 
ears,  as  Bunyan  says  in  his  Pilgrim's  Progress.    Now, 


JUNE  29.  2G9 

he  cannot  think  of  God,  sin,  death,  judgment,  heaven 
and  hell,  with  an  air  of  indifference.  No  ;  he  is  awake. 
He  sees  their  importance.  His  soul  is  alive.  He  feels' 
the  weight  of  them.  He  finds  sin  has  destroyed  him. 
The  law  terrifies  him.  Death  stares  him  in  the  face. 
Judgment  alarms  him.  He  trembles  to  see  "  hell  moved 
from  beneath"  to  receive  him.  Now  his  morality  and 
fancied  good  works  do  not  avail.  He  hungers  after  righ- 
teousness. His  apprehensions  of  wrath  make  him  vio- 
lent. His  hunger  is  keen.  He  besieges  the  kingdom  of 
God  with  earnest  prayer.  He  forces  his  way  through 
every  opposition.  He  breaks  through  every  wall  of  ob- 
struction with,  ''  O  give  me  Christ,  or  I  perish.  Give 
me  his  blood  to  pardon  me,  his  righteousness  to  justify 
me,  or  I  am  lost  for  ever."  This  is  fleeing  for  refuge. 
This  is  like  one  escaping  for  his  life  from  dreadful  flames 
and  devouring  fire.  This  is  being  violent.  Such  take  the 
kingdom  of  God  by  force. 

Though  by  grace  we  are  brought  into  the  kingdom 
of  God,  and  enjoy  pardon  of  sin  and  peace  with  God 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  yet  the  Lord  forbid  that 
we  should  so  lose  our  conviction  of  divine  truth  as  to 
have  done  with  holy  force  and  violence.  Soldiers  of 
Christ,  to  arms.  What !  think  of  laying  down  your  arms 
and  folding  your  hands  to  sleep  on  an  enemy's  ground, 
when  all  around  are  up  in  arms  against  you  1  There  is 
enough  yet  before  you  to  alarm  you  and  to  call  up  your 
violence.  Sin  is  within  you.  Satan  is  plotting  against 
you.  The  world  would  ensnare  you.  Death  and  judg- 
ment approach  you.  "  The  day  of  the  Lord  will  come 
as  a  thief  in  the  night,  in  which  the  heavens  shall  pass 
away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall  melt 
with  fervent  heat,  the  earth  also,  and  the  works  that  are 
therein,  shall  be  burnt  up."  0,  dream  not  over  dry  doc- 
trines and  empty  speculations,  so  as  to  be  proof  against 
the  force  of  these  solemn  events,  and  to  lose  your  holy 


270  JUNE  30. 

violence.  For  "  seeing  that  all  these  things  shall  be  dis- 
solved, what  manner  of  persons  ought  we  to  be  in  all 
holy  conversation  and  godliness,  looking  for  the  coming 
of  the  day  of  the  Lord."    2  Pet.  3:11,  12. 


June  30. — We  having  the  same  spirit  of  faith,  according  as  tt 
is  written,  I  believed,  therefore  have  I  spoken:  we  also  believCy 
and  therefore  speak.  2  Cor.  4:13. 

We  should  greatly  admire  these  phrases,  '^  according 
as  it  is  written,"  '^  according  to  the  Scriptures."  If  our 
faith  is  not  founded  upon  these,  and  agreeable  to  them, 
it  is  only  a  delusion.  "  The  same  spirit  of  faith."  With 
whom  1  Paul  ever  has  his  eye  upon  Christ.  He  refers  to 
Psalm  116  ;  where  Christ  speaks  by  the  mouth  of  David. 
But  what  need  had  Christ  of  faith  1  Never  forget  that 
he  was  perfect  man^  like  unto  us :  as  such,  all  the  graces 
of  the  Spirit  dwelt  in  him  :  Faith  in  his  Father's  promise. 
Hope  in  his  love.  Delight  in  his  law.  Zeal  for  his  glory. 
Holy  fear  and  reverence  of  his  name.  You  see  the  whole 
chain  of  graces  in  that  passage,  "  Who  in  the  days  of  his 
flesh,  when  he  had  offered  up  prayers  and  supplications, 
with  strong  crying  and  tears,  unto  Him  who  was  able  to 
save  him  from  death,  and  was  heard  in  that  he  feared." 
Heb.  5  :  7.  Here  is  faith  in  the  ability  of  God,  hope  in 
him,  prayer  to  him,  fear  of  him,  &c.  This  is  joyful  to 
consider  :  there  is  not  a  grace  in  us  but  what  was  in 
Christ  our  Head,  and  flows  to  us  from  him. 

''The  spirit  of  faith."  It  is  a  spiritual  gift.  It  is  a 
lively  grace.  It  is  not  a  dead  notion  in  the  head,  but  it 
brings  the  enjoyment  of  God  into  the  heart.  If  we  share 
in  the  graces  of  Christ  on  earth,  we  shall  surely  enjoy 
his  kingdom  in  glory. 

See  the  genuine  effects  of  faith.  We  believe,  and  there- 
fore speak.  Faith  in  the  heart  opens  the  lips.  We  shall 
speak  to  God  the  Father,  as  to  our  Father,  with  the 


JULY  1.  271 

holy  boldness  and  loving  confidence  of  children.  We 
shall  delight  to  draw  near  to  him,  to  tell  him  of  our  sor- 
rows, our  enemies,  our  sins,  yea,  of  all  that  is  in  our 
hearts.  For  like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the 
Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him.  Psalm  103  :  13,  For 
the  glory  of  God,  we  shall  speak  of  his  everlasting  love, 
the  freeness  of  his  sovereign  grace,  and  the  riches  of 
his  abundant  mercy  in  giving  his  Son  to  be  our  Saviour. 
We  shall  speak  of  his  Son's  redemption  of  us  from  all 
sin :  the  glory  of  his  righteousness  in  justifying  us  from 
all  condemnation  ;  and  everlastingly  saving  us  from  sin 
to  holiness,  from  hell  to  heaven.  We  shall  speak  to  the 
glory  of  the  Spirit,  of  quickening  our  dead  souls  and 
making  us  happy  in  the  Father's  love  and  the  Son's 
salvation.  Such  is  the  spirit  of  faith.  Lord,  help  our 
unbelief.  Lord,  increase  our  faith. 


July, 

July  1. — /  have  Hotted  out  as  a  thick  cloud  thy  trans gressions^ 
and  as  a  cloud  thy  sins  ;  return  unto  me,  for  I  have  redeemed 
thee.  Isa.  44:22. 

Thus  of  miserable  sinners  God  makes  happy  saints. 
Here  is  the  work  of  each  divine  person  in  the  ever- 
glorious  Trinity.  God  the  Father  blots  out  sins  in  the 
court  of  heaven :  God  the  Son  by  his  atonement  on  the 
cross :  and  God  the  Spirit  in  the  court  of  a  sinner's 
conscience.  Believe  and  enjoy  the  comfort  of  this. 
"  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  us  with  all  joy  and  peace  in 
believing,"  and  make  us  to  "  abound  in  hope,  through 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Kom.  15  :  13. 


272  JULY  1. 

When  the  dear  women  came  unto  the  sepulchre  to 
see  our  Lord,  they  said,  Who  shall  roll  away  the  stone 
from  the  doorl  Mark,  16  :  3.  But  behold  it  was  done. 
So  a  poor  broken-hearted  sinner  says,  "  This  thick, 
black,  impenetrable  cloud  of  my  sins  intercepts  from  my 
soul  the  light  of  God's  countenance  ;  it  prevents  the 
comforting  rays  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness  from  shining 
into  my  soul.  O,  who  can  disperse  it  1  None  but  God." 
Behold  he  hath  done  it,  and  he  assures  us  of  it.  Look 
within  and  be  humble,  look  up  and  be  joyful.  Did  you 
think  a  storm  of  divine  wrath  and  terrible  vengeance  was 
gathering  over  your  guilty  head  1  Behold,  love  speaks, 
grace  proclaims,  mercy  declares,  I  have  dispersed  the 
cloud  :  I  have  blotted  out  thy  sins. 

Grace  superabounds  over  all  the  aboundings  of  sin 
A  deluge  of  pardoning  love,  mercy  and  grace  washes 
away  all  thy  transgressions.  They  are  all  dispersed  like 
a  cloud  driven  away  by  the  sun.  What !  all  this  rich 
love,  mercy  and  grace  to  such  a  hell-deserving  sinner 
as  I  am  1  and  that  too  without  any  deserts  of  mine  ^. 
Yes,  all  is  of  rich  love,  free  grace  and  sovereign  mercy. 

But  behold  the  end  of  this.  It  is  to  attach  thy  heart 
to  a  sin-pardoning  Lord.  For  he  says,  "Return  unto 
me."  O,  nothing  attracts  the  gracious  heart  from  sin, 
the  world  and  vanity,  to  the  Lord,  like  free  and  full  de- 
clarations of  Gospel  grace  and  pardoning  love.  O  my 
soul,  return  from  thy  backsliding  ways,  thy  unbelieving 
thoughts,  thy  jealousies  and  suspicions  of  thy  Lord's 
love,  unto  him.  For  "I  have  redeemed  thee."  Look  on 
thy  sins,  see  thyself  redeemed  from  them  by  blood 
divine.  Look  to  heaven ;  see  it  purchased  for  thee,  and 
secured  by  thy  Redeemer's  righteousness.  Now  glory 
in  being  and  living  like  a  son  of  God  and  a  joint  heir 
with  Christ.  O  may  his  blood  make  all  serene  within 
May  that  purge  our  conscience  from  all  dead  works  to 
serve  the  living  God.   Heb.  9  :  14. 


JULY  2.  273 

July  2. — Is  not  this  the  carpenter^s  son  ?  Matt,  13 :  55, 

''Such  indignity  I  cannot  bear;  such  insult  is  intole- 
rable." Ah !  who,  what  art  thou  who  speakest  thus  % 
Thou  proud  worm  of  earth,  look  unto  Jesus.  See,  the 
King  of  kings,  the  Son  of  God  becomes  a  man,  the  son 
of  a  carpenter  ;  yea  more,  himself  a  carpenter,  the  son 
of  Mary,  Mark,  6  :  3.  Mark  his  condescension ;  hence 
learn  humility.  Behold  his  treatment  and  contempt. 
Learn  patience  and  submission.  Astonishing  mystery  ! 
Let  reason  bow  and  faith  adore. 

Sinner,  behold  with  joy  and  wonder,  thy  God  in  flesh. 
Born  under  that  curse  for  sin,  "  in  the  sweat  of  thy  brow 
thou  shalt  eat  thy  bread,"  Gen.  3  :  19,  He  follows  an 
ordinary  occupation,  O  ye  great  and  mighty,  who  are 
above  trade,  and  despise  those  who  follow  it,  saved  ye 
must  be  by  this  carpenter's  son,  or  perish  everlastingly. 
He  is  the  one  and  only  object  of  hope  and  salvation. 
He  is  God  and  man  in  one  Christ.  One,  not  by  con- 
version of  the  godhead  into  flesh,  but  by  taking  to  him- 
self our  nature. 

Well  might  Isaiah  style  him  wonderful.  Chap.  9  :  6. 
He  is  so,  both  as  God  and  as  man,  and  as  God  and  man 
in  one  Christ,  wonderful  in  love,  sufl^erings  and  power 
to  save  sinners.  Wonderful  in  his  humility,  for  he  made 
himself  o^  no  reputation,  and  took  on  him  the  form  of 
a  servant.  The  Jews  were  '^  astonished  at  him,  and  said. 
Whence  hath  this  man  this  wisdom,  and  these  mighty 
works  V  Yet  they  were  ofl^ended  in  him,  because  of  the 
meanness  of  his  birth,  parentage  and  education.  Such  is 
the  folly  of  judging  of  Christ  by  sight  and  sense. 

"  Blessed  is  he  (says  Christ)  who  shall  not  be  ofl^end- 
ed  in  me."  Matt.  11:6.  It  is  the  blessed  nature  and 
peculiar  oflice  of  faith,  to  pierce  through  the  mean  ap- 
pearance of  the  humanity,  and  to  see  the  godhead  of 
Christ.  Here  is  the  sure  evidence  of  our  calling  :  though 
12* 


274.  JULY  3. 

he  is  "  to  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block  and  to  the  Greeks 
foolishness,"  yet  he  is  "  to  them  who  are  called^  Christ 
the  power  of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God."  1  Corin- 
thians, 1  :  23,  24. 

Now  do  you  see  salvation  finished  by  the  power  and 
according  to  the  wisdom  of  God  by  this  carpenter's 
son  1  humble  as  he  appeared  in  the  eyes  of  others,  do 
you  see  such  matchless  beauty,  such  divine  glory  shine 
in  his  person  and  works,  as  to  say,  "  My  Lord  and  my 
God  ]"  O  beware  of  looking  on  this  as  a  common  call. 
Know  it  is  of  special,  peculiar,  distinguishing  grace. 
Give  glory  to  the  Holy  Spirit  for  it.  Rejoice  at  the  con- 
descension of  thy  Lord :  love  him  for  it :  all  was  for  thy 
salvation.  Rejoice  in  him  ;  though  to  the  eye  of  sense 
humble  and  obscure,  yet  he  is  "able  to  save  unto  the 
uttermost  all  who  come  unto  God  by  him."  Heb.  7  :  25. 


July  3. — Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,  saiih  your  God. 
Isaiah,  40 : 1. 

Who  are  the  people  of  God  %  I  am  of  that  number, 
says  one,  "  for  I  feel  my  heart  to  be  full  of  comfort." 
It  may  be  so.  Then  this  text  is  not  for  thee.  But  it 
will  do  thee  no  harm  to  examine  into  the  nature  of  thy 
comforts,  their  tendency,  and  how  thou  camest  by  them. 

Saith  another,  "  I  am  sure  I  cannot  think  myself  one 
of  the  people  of  God."  Why  not  1  "  Because,  instead 
of  the  comforts  of  God's  children,  I  have  continual  sor- 
row and  conflicts,  am  oppressed  by  Satan,  harassed  with 
temptations,  groan  under  a  body  of  sin  and  death,  and 
tremble  lest,  after  all,  I  shall  perish  in  my  sins  through 
unbelief."  Thou  art  the  very  person,  one  of  the  happy 
number  of  the  Lord's  people,  of  whom  he  here  speaks. 
He  describes  his  people  as  poor  and  afflicted  who  trust 
in  his  name.  Zeph.  3  :  12. 

What  is  his  holy  and  blessed  will  concerning  youl 


JULY  4.  275 

It  is  that  you  should  be  comforted.  He  knows  your  sor- 
rows. He  sees  you  want  comfort.  He  therefore  com- 
mands it  to  be  administered  unto  you.  This  is  a  com- 
mission peculiarly  directed  to  the  Lord's  ministers.  I  am 
not  honored  with  that  high  calling  ;  yet  the  Lord  may 
graciously  condescend  to  administer  comfort  by  means 
of  one  so  weak  and  unworthy  as  I  am.  For  Paul  says 
to  private  christians,  '^  Comfort  one  another  with  these 
words."  1  Thess.  4  :  18.  Therefore  it  is  our  duty.  The 
Lord  succeed  us  in  it. 

Mind  then,  thou  poor  sorrowful  sinner,  who  art  afflict- 
ed, tossed  with  tempest  and  not  comforted ;  behold,  thy 
Lord  is  mindful  of  thee.  Take  notice  of  the  love  of  his 
heart,  the  tender  compassion  Avith  which  he  speaks  con- 
cerning thee  :  "  Comfort^  comfort.''''  Thou  hast  sorrow 
upon  sorrow  in  thyself.  Here  is  comfort  upon  comfort 
from  thy  Lord.  He  is  the  God  of  all  consolation.  Nay, 
look  not  within  to  find  any  cause  why  thy  Lord  should 
have  such  love  to  thee,  or  concern  for  thee.  The  cause 
lies  in  his  own  loving  heart.  He  freely  gave  his  Son 
for  thee,  he  freely  promises  his  Spirit  to  thee,  he  com- 
mands comfort  to  be  spoken  to  thee. 

Now,  wilt  thou  go  and  indulge  thy  besetting  sin  of 
unbelief,  and  say  after  all  this,  "  My  Lord  careth  not  for 
me,  he  hath  forgotten  to  be  gracious  unto  me  V  O, 
rather  bring  that  bosom  sin  of  unbelief  to  thy  Lord ; 
beg  of  him  to  slay  its  power,  that  it  dishonor  him  no 
more  by  disbelieving  his  precious  word :  for  he  saith, 
'^  Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that  she  should 
not  have  compassion  upon  the  son  of  her  womb  1  Yea, 
they  may  forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee."  Isa.  49  :  15. 


July  4. — O  deaths  where  is  thy  sting?    O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory?  1  Cor.  15:55. 

Says  a  celebrated  poet,  ''  All  men  think  all  men  mor- 


276  ■''  JULY  4. 

tal  but  themselves."  True,  there  is  a  natural  propensity 
in  us  so  to  think ;  but  new-born  souls  not  only  know 
that  they  are  mortal,  but  in  the  exercise  of  grace  they 
can  indulge  the  thoughts  of  death  with  pleasing  reflec- 
tions. For  death  is  not  only  a  conquered  enemy  by  the 
Captain  of  our  salvation  ;  but  he  is  also  enumerated  in 
the  catalogue  of  our  blessings :  "  Death  is  yours :" 
yours  to  deliver  you  from  all  sin,  sorrow  and  temptation ; 
yours  to  introduce  you  into  the  presence  of  your  God 
and  Saviour,  and  into  the  enjoyment  of  all  the  glory  and 
blessedness  of  his  kingdom. 

But  death  has  a  sting  and  the  grave  a  victory :  this 
sting  is  sin :  and  what  gives  strength  to  sin  and  victory 
over  the  sinner,  is  the  law :  that  darts  the  sting  into  us, 
and  so  fixes  it  in  us,  that,  for  any  thing  we  can  do,  we 
must  feel  its  poisonous  sting  to  all  eternity.  But,  '^  Who 
is  this  that  cometh  from  Edom  with  dyed  garments  from 
Bozrah  1  This,  who  is  glorious  in  his  apparel,  travelling 
in  the  greatness  of  his  strength  1"  He  answers,  "  I  that 
speak  in  righteousness,  mighty  to  save."  Isaiah,  63  :  1. 
It  is  that  glorious  warrior,  our  almighty  conqueror,  Jesus, 
who  has  disarmed  death  of  his  sting  and  obtained  a 
complete  victory  over  the  grave. 

Do  you  ask,  what  is  this  to  us  %  Truly  we  can  draw 
no  comfort  from  it  unless  we  believe  in  him  and  look 
upon  his  victories  as  obtained  for  us  :  thus  viewing  our 
triumphant,  risen,  ascended  Saviour,  we  shall  be  enabled 
in  the  confidence  of  faith  to  say,  '^  O  death,  where  is  thy 
sting  V  Thou  hast  lost  it  in  the  flesh  of  Christ  j  by  his 
death  he  hath  taken  it  from  thee  j  through  death  he  hath 
destroyed  him  who  had  the  power  of  death,  that  is  the 
devil ;  and  delivers  them  who,  through  fear  of  death, 
were  all  their  life-time  subject  to  bondage.  Hebrews, 
2  :  14,  15. 

Art  thou  m  bondage  through  fear  1    Who  holds  thee 


JULY  5.  277 

under  it  1  Thy  worst  enemy,  the  devil.  By  what  means  1 
Unbelief:  because  thou  dost  not  believe  thy  best  friend, 
thy  dear  Redeemer.  Dost  thou  say,  I  would  believe,  but 
cannot  1  what!  canst  thou  not  believe  thy  Lord'^.  He 
says  to  all  thy  doubts,  "  /  speak  in  righteousness  :"  I 
have  wrought  out  and  brought  in  an  everlasting  righ- 
teousness, to  clothe  your  naked  soul,  and  to  make  you 
stand  before  the  throne  of  God  perfect  and  entire,  lacking 
nothing.  Believe  this,  and  triumph  over  sin  and  death. 
^^  Mighty  to  save'''' — can  the  power  of  sin,  death  and 
hell  withstand  my  might  1  "  Look  unto  me  and  be  saved" 
from  thy  bondage  and  fear.  Receive  his  word  :  rejoice 
in  the  comfort  of  it :  Christ  hath  fulfilled  it ;  ''  O  death, 
I  will  be  thy  plagues  j  0  grave,  I  will  be  thy  destruction." 
Hosea,  13  :  14. 


July  5. — If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in  Christ.,  we  are  of 
all  men  most  miserable.  1  Cor.  15  :  19. 
Here  is  a  supposition,  and  a  consequence  drawn  from 
it.  Consider,  this  hopein  Christ.  It  is  not  common  to  all 
men  j  it  is  a  precious  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  it  springs 
from  faith  in  Christ ;  it  looks  to  the  promises  in  Christ, 
and  is  nourished  and  supported  by  them.  It  is  a  lively 
hope.,  we  are  "  begotten  again  to  it,  according  to  the 
abundant  mercy  of  God  our  Father,  by  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead."  1  Peter,  1:3.  By  it 
we  are  made  to  differ  from  all  other  men,  who,  though 
they  may  talk  of  hope  in  God,  yet  have  no  hope,  but  are 
without  Christ  and  without  God  in  the  world.  Ephe- 
sians,  2  :  12.  Here  is  the  proof  of  it :  "  Every  man  who 
hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth  himself,  even  as  he  is 
pure."  1  John,  3  :  3.  Mind,  Christ  is  the  object  of  this 
hope,  it  is  in,  or  on  Christ.  The  man  who  is  the  subject 
of  it  purifies  himself.  Howl  By  the  blood  of  Christ, 
and  by  the  grace  of  Christ.  From  what  1    From  all  sin: 


278  JULY  5. 

from  the  love  of  this  world :  from  its  pomp  and  vanities. 
He  lives  not  in  them  ;  he  walks  not  after  them  ;  he  hates 
them  J  he  despises  them.  Hope  in  Christ  springs  up  in 
his  heart  J  this  kills  the  love  of  the  world  in  him. 

What  is  it  to  have  hope  in  this  life  only  ?  It  is  to 
have  our  prospect  bounded  by  the  narrow  limits  of  time  : 
to  take  up  with  the  joys  and  pleasures  of  the  present 
world ;  to  set  our  affections  on  them,  and  seek  all  our 
happiness  in  them,  without  looking  and  longing  for  the 
invisible  glories  of  a  better  Avorld. 

Why  then  are  we  '^  of  all  men  the  most  miserable  V 
Because  being  new  creatures  in  Christ,  we  have  a  new 
and  spiritual  nature  in  him  and  from  him,  we  have  com- 
munion and  fellowship  with  him  ;  and  therefore  cannot 
enjoy  the  pleasures,  honors  and  riches  of  tliis  world  as 
other  men  do :  we  are  "  crucified  to  the  world."  Gala- 
tians,  6  :  14.  We  are  also  often  called  to  encounter  the 
malice,  hatred,  and  persecution  of  the  men  of  the  world 
for  our  hope  in  Christ.  And  we  are  miserable  from  the 
burden  of  a  body  of  sin,  w^hich  others  feel  not :  from  the 
fiery  darts  of  Satan,  which  he  aims  not  at  others  ;  the 
workings  of  unbelief,  which  others  feel  not  j  that  we  ever 
offend  the  Lord,  which  others  care  not  for :  that  we 
cannot  perfectly  and  perseveringly  obey  his  will  in 
all  things,  about  which  others  concern  not  themselves ; 
that  ever  the  Lord  hides  his  face  from  our  souls, 
which  others  know  nothing  of.  From  these,  and  innu- 
merable other  things,  christians,  as  mere  men  of  the 
world,  may  be  ''  of  all  men  most  miserable."  But,  O 
blessed  hope  in  Christ,  "  He  is  our  hope."  1  Tim.  1  :  L 
While  Jesus  lives  our  hope  lives.  Time  with  all  its 
changes  cannot  frustrate  it :  death  with  all  its  terrors 
cannot  destroy  it :  eternity  with  all  its  glories  will  be 
the  end  and  fruition  of  it. 


JULY  6.  279 

JxTLT  6. — The  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from  heaven  against 
all  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men.     Rom.  1  :  18. 

One  sin  ruined  the  whole  race  of  Adam  ;  it  brought 
curse  and  wrath  upon  every  soul  of  man.  Every  man 
that  ever  lived,  that  now  lives,  and  that  ever  shall  live 
upon  the  earth,  is  by  nature  a  child  of  wrath,  and  the 
wTath  of  God  is  revealed  from  heaven  against  his  sin ; 
not  one  soul  excepted.     How  is  this  wrath  revealed  \ 

It  was  revealed  at  the  giving  the  holy  law  at  Mount 
Sinai.  Exod.  19.  There  the  Lord  revealed  all  the  ter- 
rors and  glory  of  his  majesty,  as  the  most  holy,  sin- 
hating  God.  0,  think  of  the  mount  that  burned  with 
fire,  the  blackness,  darkness,  and  tempest ;  the  awful 
sound  of  the  trumpet :  the  terrible  voice  of  words, 
which  they  who  heard,  entreated  that  they  should  not 
be  spoken  any  more  ;  and  so  terrible  was  the  sight,  that 
even  Moses  said,  '^  I  exceedingly  fear  and  quake."  Heb. 
12 :  2L  0  think  of  this,  and  think  not  what  is  called 
the  least  sin  to  be  small ;  for  it  has  lighted  up  the  fire 
of  God's  wrath. 

See  the  wrath  of  God  revealed  in  drowning  the  old 
world ;  in  burning  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  j  in  the  de- 
struction of  Korah  ;  and  in  his  judgments  upon  the  un- 
godly in  all  ages.  ^'  God  is  angry  with  the  wicked  every 
day."  Psalm  7:11.  The  fire  of  his  wrath  and  indigna- 
tion ever  smokes  against  all  sin.  Remember  this  and 
be  watchful. 

Reflect  on  the  wrath  of  God  revealed  from  heaven,  in 
the  sufferings  of  his  beloved  Son  for  the  sins  of  his  peo- 
ple. See  the  sin-atoning,  curse-sustaining  Lamb  of  God 
on  the  cross.  There  see  what  sin  is  j  there  view  the  in- 
dignation of  God  against  it,  and  the  awful  vengeance 
he  executed  upon  it.  O  my  soul,  think  of  thy  Sa- 
viour's inconceivable  suffering  for  sin.  Here  see  the 
exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin  j  view  its  crimson  dye  in  the 


280  JULY  7. 

purple  gore  of  the  Son  of  God.  Ever  think  of  this,  love 
the  Lamb,  and  strive  against  all  sin. 

The  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  against  sin  even  in  his 
own  children.  He  hates  their  sins.  Beware  of  any 
doctrine  that  makes  light  of  sin  j  or  which  would  repre- 
sent that  God  has  not  the  same  abhorrence  of  sin,  indig- 
nation and  wrath  against  sin  in  his  own  children  as 
in  others.  Do  not  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness ; 
never  think  of  reconciling  a  holy  God  to  sin. 

The  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  in  the  conscience  of 
his  people.  By  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin.  Rom. 
3  :  20.  And  the  law  worketh  wrath.  Rom.  4  :  15.  It  fills 
the  mind  with  terrible  apprehensions  of  the  wrath  of 
God,  and  a  fearful  looking  for  of  his  judgment  and 
fiery  indignation  against  sin. 

Bless  Jesus  that  his  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin  ;  and 
remember  the  awful  day  when  God  will  "  take  ven- 
geance on  them  who  obey  not  the  Gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ."  2  Thess.  1 :  8. 


July  7. — Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again  to 
the  Lord.     Lam.  3  :  40. 

The  book  containing  these  words  is  justly  styled.  The 
Lamentations.  The  dear  children  of  God  were  now  in 
captivity  and  deep  distress.  Jeremiah  most  pathetically 
enumerates  and  laments  their  great  calamities.  We 
shall  never  get  out  of  this  book  of  Lamentations  while 
in  the  body.  We  daily  see  cause  for  lamentation  on  one 
account  and  another  ;  and  indeed  if  we  did  not,  it  would 
be  a  sad  sign  that  our  eyes  are  blinded  by  self-righteous 
pride,  or  our  hearts  hardened  through  the  deceitfulness 
of  sin.  '^  As  sorrowing,  yet  always  rejoicing,"  is  the 
christian's  motto.  Times  of  calamity  and  seasons  of 
distress  call  for  self-examination  and  soul-searching. 
This  will  keep  down  murmuring  and  complaining. 


JULY  7.  281 

"  Let  us  search,^^  look  and  inquire  for  something  that 
may  support  and  comfort  us,  and  teach  us  to  improve 
our  distress.  Soul,  let  thy  circumstances  be  what  they 
may,  thy  Lord's  advice  is  ever  seasonable  :  "  Search  the 
Scriptures."  Why  1  They  testify  of  me.  John,  5  :  39. 
Christ  is  the  head  of  the  covenant :  in  him  the  Father 
loves  us  :  through  him  his  love  flows  to  us.  Afflictions 
flow  from  covenant  love,  and  shall  answer  covenant  pur- 
poses. The  Scriptures  are  written  for  our  comfort. 
There  we  find  that  we  have  the  common  lot  and  inherit- 
ance with  all  saints. 

Let  us  iry  our  ways  by  that  standard  of  justice  and  per- 
fection, the  law  of  God.  0  how  will  this  make  the  sense 
of  sin  abound  in  our  eyes!  Is  the  law  of  God  holyl 
our  ways  are  unholy.  Is  the  law  spiritual  %  we  are  car- 
nal, sold  under  sin.  Is  the  law  just  1  our  ways  are  un- 
just. Is  the  law  good  %  in  us,  that  is,  in  our  flesh,  dwells 
no  good.  What  must  we  do  1  Must  w^e  sit  down  in 
melancholy,  give  up  all  hope,  and  write  despair  upon  our 
hearts  1  No,  blessed  be  God  ',  though  sin  has  destroyed 
us,  there  is  salvation  in  the  Lord  for  us. 

Let  us  tu7'7i  agai7i  io  ike  Lord:  such  is  the  acting  of 
a  gracious  heart:  having  once  tasted  that  the  Lord  is 
gracious,  and  known  the  precious  love  of  Christ,  it  can- 
not be  happy  in  sin ;  it  cannot  bear  to  live  at  a  distance 
from  the  Lord,  its  life  and  love.  Believing  that  all  our 
iniquities  were  laid  upon  Christ,  that  he  bore  them  in 
his  own  body  on  the  tree,  it  cannot  rest  till  it  again  finds 
pardon  in  his  blood,  the  peace  of  God,  and  joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  for  that  gra- 
cious word,  "  Return,  ye  backsliding  children,  and  I  will 
heal  your  backslidings."  Jer.  3  ;  22. 

"  Sin  and  the  pow'rs  of  hell 

"Persuade  me  to  despair; 
"  Lord,  make  me  know  thy  cov'nant  well, 

"  That  I  may  'scape    the    snare." 


^82  JULY  8. 

July  S. — Godly  sorrow  worlceth  repetitance  to  salvation^  not  to 
be  repented  of.    2  Cor.  7  :  10. 

By  setting  forth  the  curses  of  the  law  and  the  terrors 
of  hell,  a  sinner's  conscience  may  be  made  to  tremble 
under  the  dread  of  damnation  ;  he  may  be  said  to  re- 
pent. Judas  thus  ''  repented  himself,"  and  said,  ''  I  have 
sinned."  He  might  be  sorry  for  it ;  his  sin  might  make 
his  heart  ache  and  fill  his  soul  with  horrors ;  but  here 
was  no  godly  sorrow ;  God  was  not  in  his  heart ;  here  was 
no  repentance  unto  salvation  ;  this  was  out  of  his  sight ; 
his  repentance  was  unto  damnation ;  for  '^  he  went  out 
and  hanged  himself."  Matt.  27  :  5.  Natural  fears  and 
legal  terrors  may  excite  sorrow  without  the  grace  of 
repentance. 

What  then  is  godly  sorrow  1  It  springs  from  God,  it 
is  excited  by  the  views  of  God,  it  is  directed  to  God, 
and  arises  in  the  heart  on  account  of  God.  With  David 
the  soul  cries,  '^  Against  thee  only  have  I  sinned."  Psalm 
51:4.  The  heart  is  pierced  to  the  very  quick  with  an- 
guish for  having  sinned  against  a  God  in  Christ,  a  sin- 
pardoning,  a  soul-comforting,  a  most  affectionate  Fa- 
ther. This  is  the  sorrow  of  faith;  it  is  grateful  to  God. 

Again,  it  worketh  repentance :  it  causes  the  soul  to 
change  its  mind  and  its  conduct.  Its  mind :  sin  and  Sa- 
tan had  deceived  it ;  it  foolishly  fancied  there  were 
some  sweet  charms  in  sin  that  could  make  it  quite  hap- 
py ;  but  it  now  feels  the  wormwood  and  gall  of  it ;  it 
looks  at  its  sin,  and  looks  at  its  Saviour,  and  cries,  0  my 
Lord  and  my  God,  could  I  ever  be  so  mad  as  to  turn 
from  thee  to  sin  1  I  lament  my  folly  ;  Jesus,  pardon  me. 
Its  conduct:  godly  sorrow  causes  the  soul  to  turn  away 
from  sin  with  loathing  and  detestation,  and  to  turn  to 
the  Lord  with  humble  faith,  holy  hope,  ardent  desire, 
and  earnest  cry,  ''  Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence ; 
take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me ;  restore  to  me  the  joy 


JULY  9.  283 

of  thy  salvation."  Psalm  51  :  11,  12.  Though  sin  has 
made  me  miserable,  yet  thou,  and  thou  only  canst  make 
me  happy. 

This  repentance  is  "  unto  salvation  :"  it  brings  the  soul 
to  Jesus.  There  is  salvation  in  him,  and  in  no  other. 
Acts,  4  :  12. 

This  repentance  is  '^  not  to  be  repented  of."  0  my 
soul,  canst  thou  ever  change  thy  mind  concerning  the 
precious  salv^ation  of  Jesus,  by  repentance  unto  life 
from  a  godly  sorrow  for  sin  ]  Beware  then  of  those 
"  fools"  who  "  make  a  mock  at  sin;"  Prov.  14  :  9;  of 
those  who  deride  godly  sorrow  for  sin,  and  laugh  at  all 
repentance  as  downright  legality.  "  Except  ye  repent," 
says  Jesus,  ''  ye  shall  all  perish."  Luke,  13  :  3. 

'  'Twas  for  my  sins  my  dearest  Lord 

"  Hung  on  the  cursed  tree, 
"  And  groan 'd  away  a  dying  life 

"  For  thee,  my  soul,  for  thee. 

*'  Whilst  with  a  melting  broken  heart 

"  My  murder'd  Lord  I  view, 
"  I'll  raise  revenge  against  my  sins, 

"  And  slay  the  murd'rers  too." 


JULY  9. — The  grace  of  God  that  hringeth  salvation  hath  ap- 
peared to  all  men.  Titus,  2:11. 

Here  are  three  blessed  and  glorious  truths :  they  de- 
mand the  constant  attention  of  our  minds ;  they  tend  to 
sink  into  the  deepest  humility  of  heart,  to  excite  the 
greatest  joy  of  spirit,  and  to  inspire  the  most  ardent  love 
and  gratitude  of  soul. 

Salvation  :  this  was  the  counsel  of  heaven  ;  the  work 
of  the  Son  of  God:  the  wonder  of  angels;  the  envy  of 
devils,  and  the  glory  of  apostate,  rebellious  sinners;  sin- 
ners who  are  born  with  enmity  of  heart,  rebellion  of  will, 
and  hatred  of  affections  against  God,  and  who  have  ma- 


284.  JULY  9. 

nifested  the  eniiilty  of  their  mind  bj''  wicked  works  ;  the 
rebellion  of  their  will,  by  taking  arms  against  the  Lord; 
and  the  hatred  of  their  affections,  by  refusing  to  lay 
them  down  and  submit  unto  him  :  O  that  precious  word, 
full  of  wonder,  grace  and  love,  '^  God  commendeth  his 
lov^e  towards*  us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners, 
Christ  died  for  us — when  we  were».enemies,  we  were  re- 
conciled to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son."  Rom.  5  :  8-10. 
This  is  a  sah^ation  worthy  a  God  of  infinite  love  to  be- 
stow; here  is  a  Saviour  worthy  to  be  received  with  all 
readiness  of  mind,  to  be  embraced  with  the  most  cor- 
dial affection,  and  to  be  gloried  in  as  the  richest  bless- 
ing, by  lost,  hopeless,  ruined  sinners. 

This  salvation  is  brought  to  us ;  the  news  of  it  is 
sounded  in  our  ears;  the  report  of  it  is  daily  made  to  us  ; 
it  is  displayed  and  set  before  us  in  all  its  glory,  rich- 
ness, freeness  and  fulness,  in  the  Gospel,  that  we  may 
receive  it  and  enjoy  it,  take  it  as  our  own,  and  rejoice 
in  the  salvation  of  our  God. 

It  is  brought  to  us  by  the  grace  of  God  which  hath  ap- 
peared. Where  1  In  the  person  of  the  Son  of  his  love, 
and  in  the  Gospel  of  his  grace :  there  the  grace  of  God 
appears ;  there  the  salvation  of  Jehovah  shines  forth  and 
is  made  manifest  to  all  men  ;  to  all  sorts  of  men,  Jews 
and  Gentiles.  Therefore  it  is  revealed,  as  a  free  and  full 
salvation,  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  free  from  all  limi- 
tation and  restriction. 

Paul  speaks  of  "  knowing  the  grace  of  God  in  truth." 
Col.  1  :  6.  This  is  done  when  any  poor  sinner  receives 
and  believes  the  Gospel:  it  then  becomes  the  power  of 
God  to  salvation  to  that  poor  sinner's  soul :  he  then 
knows  the  free  favor  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus :  Christ  is 
all  his  salvation  and  all  his  desire  :  the  Holy  Spirit,  who 
hath  convinced  him  of  sin,  and  enlightened  him  to  see 
Gospel  truths  and  Gospel  grace,  will  comfort  him  by 
them.    Hath  the  grace  of  God  thus  appeared  to  thee  1 


JULY  10.  285 

Hath  it  brought  salvation  to  thy  soul  1  Dost  thou  be- 
lieve the  Gospell  Then  take  heed  of  mixing  any  right- 
eousness of  thy  own  with  thy  faith  and  hope  in  the 
grace  of  God  and  salvation  of  Jesus!  for  this  were  to 
degrade  both,  and  bring  thy  soul  into  bondage  to  the 
law  of  works. 


July  10. — His  na7ne  shall  be  called — Counsellor.  Isa.  9  :  6. 

Litigious  spirits  are  fond  of  law.  Paul  absolutely 
forbids  the  brethren  of  Christ  going  to  law  one  with 
another.  1  Cor.  6.  Among  other  reasons,  this  is  the 
greatest  :  they  are  concerned  in  a  suit  which  will  last 
their  whole  lives,  and  which  requires  all  their  time  and 
attention.  Though  their  cause  has  been  tried  again  and 
again ;  though  they  have  gained  cause  after  cause ,  yet 
their  adversary  continues  as  litigious  as  ever  ;  he  is  con- 
tinually accusing  them  and  preferring  fresh  bills  of  in- 
dictment against  them  ,•  he  sets  the  world  upon  us ;  he 
stirs  up  the  flesh  in  us  ;  he  brings  heinous  charges 
against  us;  he  is  the  accuser  of  the  brethren  before 
God,  and  to  our  own  consciences,  night  and  day.  Rev. 
12:10. 

Have  you  heard  nothing  from  Satan,  your  adversary 
and  accuser,  this  day  %  If  you  have,  be  not  dejected  •, 
let  him  accuse,  and  do  his  worst ;  it  is  our  unspeakable 
comfort  that  we  have  a  wonderful  Counsellor  :  he  pleads 
our  cause  before  the  throne  of  justice  above  ;  he  pleads 
within  us  in  the  court  of  conscience  :  he  counsels  and 
advises  us  by  his  word  and  Spirit ;  his  true  and  righ- 
teous pleadings  for  us  shall  prevail  over  all  Satan's 
accusations  against  us.  Would  you  wish  your  cause 
in  better  hands  1  Never  attempt  to  take  it  out  of 
his:  continually  consult  him:  leave  all  to  him:  for 
consider : 

Jesus  in  the  eternal  counsel  voluntarily,  unsought  and 


286  JULY  11. 

unasked,  stood  forth  and  engaged  to  be  our  Counsellor  ,* 
as  a  generous  counsellor  in  court,  seeing  the  poverty  of 
an  arraigned  prisoner,  freely,  without  money  or  price, 
undertakes  to  plead  his  cause.  O  wonderful  love  !  O 
kind  compassion  ! 

He  is  a  wonderful  counsellor  ;  for  though  law  and  jus- 
tice condemn,  yet  he  obtains  an  acquittal  in  court  for  all 
his  clients.  Most  wonderful  in  his  plea.  Not  our  in- 
nocence, sincerity,  goodness — no ;  he  owns  our  guilt 
and  vileness ;  he  pleads  his  own  work  for  us  ;  the  blood 
he  shed  for  our  sins  ;  his  obedience  unto  the  law  for  our 
justification  ;  and  his  sufferings  for  our  salvation.  Jus- 
tice says,  I  am  satisfied,  I  forgive  them.  Truth  records 
the  sentence.     Mercy  declares,  I  will  save  them. 

O  wonderful  Counsellor !  It  is  sinners,  none  but  sin- 
ners thou  pleadest  for  :  for  this  my  soul  loves  thee.  God 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner  !  This  is  ever  my  plea.  I 
take  it  up.  Lord,  show  me  from  law  and  justice  that 
thou  art  just,  whilst  thou  justifiest  the  ungodly.  Des- 
perate as  my  case  is,  may  I  ever  flee  to  thee,  and  ever 
consult  thee  :  '^  Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life." 
John,  6  :  68. 


July  11. — Meii  ought  always  to   'pray^  and  not  to  faint. 
Luke,  18 :  1. 

Then  there  can  be  no  room  for  despair  j  for  prayer 
exports  wants  and  imports  blessings.  But  our  dear  Lord 
knows  there  is  in  us  all,  at  times,  a  backwardness  to 
prayer;  this  he  would  remove;  it  arises  from  faint- 
ing; this  he  would  prevent ;  therefore  he  opposes  pray- 
ing to  fainting,  for  fainting  prevents  praying.  Have  you 
not  found  it  so  1  When  weary  and  faint  in  your  mind, 
when  your  spirits  arc  oppressed,  your  frame  low  and 
languid,  you  have  thought  this  is  not  a  time  for  prayer — 
yea,  but  it  is :  pray  always.     Now  sigh  out  the  burden 


JULY  11.  287 

of  your  heart  and  the  sorrows  of  your  spirit :  now, 
though  m  broken  accents,  breathe  your  complaints  into 
your  Father's  ear  :  now  cry  to  Him  who  loveth  you  and 
careth  for  you  with  the  love  and  care  of  the  most  ten- 
der and  affectionate  father. 

What  makes  us  faint  1  Do  troubles  and  afflictions  1 
Here  is  a  reviving  cordial :  "  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of 
trouble,  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me." 
Psalm  1  :  15.  Does  a  body  of  sin  and  death  1  Here  is 
a  supporting  promise  :  "Whosoever  shall  call  upon  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  shall  be  saved."  Rom.  10  :  13. 
Do  we  faint  because  we  have  called  and  prayed  again 
and  again  to  the  Lord  against  any  besetting  sin,  pre- 
vailing temptation,  rebellious  lust,  or  evil  temper,  and 
yet  the  Lord  has  not  given  victory  over  it  1  Still,  says 
the  Lord,  pray  always — persevere ;  be  importunate  j 
faint  not ;  remember  that  blessed  word,  '^  my  time  is  not 
yet  come  :  but  your  time  is  always  ready."  John,  7  :  6. 
'^  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation." 
Matt.  26  :  41.  Note  the  difference  between  being  tempt- 
ed and  entering  into  temptation. 

We  are  assured  that  in  due  time  we  shall  reap,  if  we 
faint  not.  Gal.  6:9.  Do  we  find  the  spirit  willing,  but 
the  flesh  weak '?  and  because  of  our  coldness,  deadness, 
and  languor  in  prayer,  do  we  faint  1  You  cannot  pray 
as  you  would  :  you  think  your  prayers  are  irksome  to 
God  5  and  therefore  do  you  faint  and  are  ready  to  give 
over  praying  1  Look  at  David  ;  he  begins  to  pray  in  a 
very  heartless,  hopeless  way,  ''  How  long  wilt  thou  for- 
get me,  O  Lord] for  ever  1"  but  see  how  he  concludes: 
he  breaks  out  in  full  vigor  of  soul,  "  I  will  sing  unto  the 
Lord,  because  he  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  me." 
Psalm  13  :  6.  Above  all,  look  to  Jesus,  who  ever  lives 
to  pray  for  you :  look  for  his  Spirit  to  help  your  infir- 
mities. Rom.  8 :  26. 


288  JULY  12. 

July  12. — Noic  ahideth  hope.     1  Cor.  13  :  13. 

Gospel  faith  and  christian  hope  are  twin  graces  in  the 
heart ;  they  are  inseparable.  Faith  exists  not  without 
hope  ;  hope  has  no  being  without  faith.  Such  as  a  man's 
faith  is,  such  is  his  hope  :  they  both  flow  from  God's 
word,  as  light  and  heat  from  the  sun.  Take  aAvay  the 
word  spoken,  and  faith  has  no  being.  Without  a  promise 
made,  hope  has  no  existence.  Faith  receives  and  takes 
possession  of  Christ,  as  set  forth  in  the  word.  Hope 
expects  all  promised  blessings,  comforts,  and  joys  in 
him,  with  him,  and  from  him,  according  to  the  word: 
''  the  word  of  God  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever."  1  Pet. 
1:23. 

Jesus,  who  is  the  essential  Word,  "is  our  hope." 
1  Tim.  1 :  1.  He  is  the  cause  of  our  hope,  the  object 
of  our  hope,  and  the  life  of  our  hope.  Therefore  our 
hope  abideth  :  yea,  though  all  in  nature  fails,  all  in 
sense  forsakes  us,  and  all  as  to  outward  appearances  are 
against  us  ;  though  Satan  raises  storms  and  tempests ; 
though  corruptions  rage  and  foam,  and  lift  up  their 
boisterous  waves  ;  though  like  Paul  we  are  in  the  great 
deep,  and  see  neither  sun  nor  stars  for  a  season,  yet  hope 
abideth,  for  Jesus,  the  object  of  hope,  lives. 

The  grace  of  hope  cannot  perish  :  it  is  an  anchor  to 
the  soul:  it  keeps  it  sure  and  steady.  Why  1  Because 
it  is  not  cast  within  us,  but  without  us.  What  a  foolish 
mariner  w^ould  he  be  who  should  think  his  vessel  would 
ride  safe  and  steady  against  wind  and  tide  because  he 
had  an  anchor  on  board  !  Just  as  foolish  are  those  pro- 
fessors who  cast  the  anchor  of  hope  within  themselves, 
on  their  own  graces,  inherent  righteousness,  as  it  is 
called,  &c.  Why,  as  the  sea  phrase  is,  the  anchor  will 
come  home  ;  it  will  not  hold  the  vessel ;  there  is  no 
ground  for  it  to  fasten  in  :  but  the  christian's  hope 
"entereth  into  that  within  the  vail  j"  Heb.  6  :  19  j  into 


JULY  13.  289 

heaven  itself;  it  fixes  and  fastens  upon  Jesus,  who  has 
entered  into  heaven  for  vs. 

As  by  faith  we  receive  the  atonement  of  Christ  for 
our  sins,  and  trust  in  his  righteousness  for  our  justifica- 
tion, so  hope  looks  for  and  expects  the  heart-reviving, 
soul-sanctifying  comforts  of  this  from  the  Holy  Spirit 
in  time,  and  all  the  glory  and  blessedness  which  Jesus 
hath  by  his  life  and  death  obtained  for  us  in  an  endless 
eternity.  Faith  has  to  do  with  things  invisible  to  sense 
God's  truth  is  the  foundation  of  faith  ;  faith  keeps  hope 
in  lively  exercise,  '^  looking  for  that  blessed  hope  and 
glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour 
lesus  Christ."  Tit.  2:  13. 


July  13. —  Ye  ivere  sometimes  darkness,  but  now  are  ye  light 
in  the  Lord  :  icalk  as  children  of  light.     Eph,  5 :  8. 

Natural  persons  raised  from  indigence  to  opulence  do 
not  love  to  hear  of  their  pedigree ;  they  see  not  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  in  it ;  what  detracts  from  their  person 
and  merit  hurts  them :  but  disciples  of  Christ  love  to 
hear  of,  love  to  look  back  upon  what  they  were  by  na- 
ture, that  they  may  ascribe  fresh  praise  to  the  Lord, 
who  of  his  mere  grace  "  raised  their  poor  souls  out  of 
the  dust,  and  lifted  their  needy  souls  from  the  dung- 
hill, and  has  set  them  with  the  princes  of  his  people." 
Psalm  113:7,  8. 

We  are  here  reminded,  ''  Ye  were  " — what  1  dark, 
having  some  glimmering  light  of  God,  his  truths,  his 
ways'?  Nay  more,  darkness  itself;  blind  to  them,  as  if 
totally  deprived  of  sight  ;  ignorant  of  them  as  a  beast ; 
as  dark  about  them  as  we  should  be  about  natural  ob- 
jects without  the  sun.  We  walked  in  darkness  and  knew 
not  that  we  were  in  the  high  road  to  hell.  But  now,  O 
wonder  of  grace  !  ye  are — what  1  enlightened  by  the 
Lord  1  have  light   from   the  Lord  1    Yes,  this  is   true 

S-  Treasury.  -j  q 


290  JULY  14. 

But  more,  we  have  ^'  light  in  the  Lord,"  like  the  angel 
which  John  saw  standing  in  the  sun.  Rev.  19  :  17.  We 
have  not  only  the  light  of  life,  but  we  are  171  Christ, 
who  is  the  Sun  of  righteousness  and  the  light  of  the 
world  Here  we  see  our  Father's  glory  shining  in  the 
face  of  Christ  j  feel  his  love  in  him  j  behold  his  grace 
and  truth  which  came  by  him  ;  enjoy  precious  promises 
in  him  j  know  the  glorious  doctrines  taught  by  him  :  all 
which  lead  to  him  and  centre  in  him. 

Hence  we  look  down  upon  the  world  with  contempt, 
upon  sin  with  abhorrence,  upon  Satan  with  defiance, 
upon  carnal  men  with  pity,  and  up  to  our  Lord  with 
love  and  praise  j  for  "  we  have  an  unction  from  him',  and 
know  all  things."  1  John,  2  :  20.  His  truths  are  our  de- 
light :  "  His  commandments  are  not  grievous."  1  John, 
5  :  3.  Here  is  all  comprised  in  one  word,  it'aZ/^  as  chil- 
dren of  the  light. 

But  how  shall  I  know  I  am  a  child  of  light  1  Strange 
question  !  As  if  a  person  with  his  eyes  open  at  mid-day 
were  to  ask,  how  do  I  know  I  seel  But  if  you  do  not 
enjoy  the  comfort  of  light  it  is  because  you  do  not  walk 
as  a  child  of  light ;  there  are  many  such.  No  marvel 
they  are  unhappy  professors.  Paul  wept  on  account  of 
such.  See  them  described  ;  ''  They  mind  earthly  things." 
Phil.  3  :  19.  They  have  a  tongue  for  Christ,  but  the  world 
has  their  heart.  Beware  of  such  ;  refrain  from  them  ; 
for  "  if  we  say  that  we  have  fellowship  with  Christ,  and 
walk  in  darkness,  we  lie,  and  do  not  the  truth :  but  if 
Ave  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the  light,  we  have  fellow- 
ship one  with  another,"  and  ''  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ 
his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin."   1  John,  1  : 6,  7. 


July  14. — Where  tico  or  tliree  are  gathered  together  in  mi/name, 
there  am  T  in  the  midst  of  them.     Matt.  IS  :  20. 
Our  hope  and  comfort   rise  or  fall  according  to  our 


JULY  14.  291 

conceptions  of  what  Christ  is  in  himself,  and  what  he 
is  to  us.  Attend  to  this :  you  will  find  this  true  in  your 
experience.  Therefore  it  is  of  no  small  moment  whether 
you  believe  Christ  to  be  '^  God  over  all,"  or  only  a  mere 
man :  nay,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  ;  it  enters 
into  the  very  life,  peace,  and  joy  of  your  soul.  He 
here  puts  this  beyond  a  doubt.  None  but  God  is  at 
one  and  the  same  time  in  more  places  than  one  ;  but 
Christ  declares.  Wherever  my  disciples  ^^  are  gathered 
together  in  my  name,  there  am  I :"  therefore  Christ  is 
the  omnipresent  God ;  this  is  the  joy  of  our  faith  ;  this 
the  glory  of  our  souls :  and  it  should  be  our  grand  con- 
cern to  bring  this  into  experience  and  practice. 

Remember,  '^  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every  place, 
beholding  the  evil  and  the  good."  Prov.  15  ;  3.  O  soul, 
what  have  you  to  do  at  places  devoted  to  sin  and  vanity  1 
Know  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  there  :  if  he  sees  j^ou 
there  he  will  surely  make  you  smart  for  it. 

Our  Lord  delights  in  the  assembly  of  his  disciples  in 
his  name,  even  if  but  two  or  three,  and  no  matter  where. 
O  let  this  call  up  your  attention  to  his  name  ;  let  this 
reprove  professors  that  they  do  not  always  meet  in 
Christ's  name,  speak  to  each  other  more  of  his  glorious 
person  and  precious  salvation  ;  this  is  the  v\  ay  to  be 
helpers  of  each  other's  faith,  hope  and  love  in  the  Lord. 
Be  ashamed  of  yourselves,  ye  professors  who  can  talk 
fluently  of  the  things  of  the  world,  but  are  dumb  when 
Jesus  is  the  theme.  What !  can  you  go  day  after  day 
without  calling  your  family  together  to  speak  a  word  of 
Jesus  to  them  and  to  Jesus  for  them  1  O,  of  what 
seasons  of  peace,  comfort,  and  heavenly-mindedness  do 
you  deprive  yourselves  !  The  presence  of  a  king  makes 
a  court :  the  King  of  kings  makes  a  court,  a  temple  in 
your  houses,  yea,  in  your  hearts,  when  you  assemble  in 
his  name. 

Let  this  precious  word  encourage  you :  '*  There  am  1 


292  JULY  15. 

in  the  midst  of  them."  Have  you  not  found  it  so  1  The 
most  unworthy  of  all  has.  There  am  I,  as  though  Christ 
was  first  there  waiting-  for  us.  Can  his  presence  be  with 
us  without  shedding  his  light,  life,  liberty,  and  power 
among  us  1  No,  no  more  than  the  sun  can  shine  in  its 
meridian  without  shedding  upon  us  light  and  heat. 

Kemember,  "  two  or  three  "  are  within  the  compass 
of  the  promise  :  not  angels,  not  sinless  men,  but  poor 
miserable  sinners  Christ  delights  to  be  in  the  midst  of. 
O  love  and  praise  our  dear  Lord  for  his  marvellous  .con- 
descension and  this  precious  declaration  :  study  more 
and  more  to  improve  it,  to  build  up  each  others  souls  in 
him,  and  to  glorify  his  precious  name.  See  his  affec- 
tionate notice  of  such,  Mai.  3  :  16,  17. 


July  15.— The  Lord  thy  God  in  the  midst  pf  thee  is  mighty  ; 
he  icill  save,  he  ivill  rejoice  over  thee  ivilh  joy.     Zeph.  3 :  17, 

A  truly  gracious  heart  is  restless  and  unhappy  wnen 
it  experiences  distance  from  the  Lord  :  those  who  are 
alive  to  God  cannot  rest  without  enjoying  his  presence  j 
they  will  draw  nigh  to  him,  praying  him,  '^  Draw  nigh 
to  my  soul  and  say,  I  am  thy  salvation."  That  precious 
word  lives  and  abides  in  our  heart :  "  Now  in  Christ 
Jesus  "  we  poor  sinners,  "  who  in  times  past  were  far 
off"  from  God,  "  are  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Christ." 
Eph.  2:  13.  Hence  we  are  called  upon,  "Sing,  shout, 
be  glad,  rejoice  with  all  the  heart."  Yea,  thou  God- 
fearing, soul-trembling  sinner,  even  thee  the  Lord  has 
in  his  eye,  and  speaks  from  the  love  of  his  heart,  "  Fear 
thou  not,  let  not  thine  hands  be  slack."  Zeph.  3  :  16. 
Dread  not  thy  mighty,  thy  many  enemies  ;  put  on  cou- 
rage ;  lift  up  the  hands  which  hang  down  ;  take  hold  of 
thy  Lord'^s  word  ;  for, 

The  Lord  thy  God  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  mighty :  the 
might  of  the   Lord   his  God  was  in  the  midst  of  the 


JULY  16,  293 

heart  of  the  young  David  when  he  went  to  fight  the 
Philistine  giant.  Hence  you  hear  not  one  word  of  liim- 
self,  of  his  own  might  and  power,  but  "  The  Lord  will 
deliver  now;  I  come  forth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord:'* 
so  Paul,  "  I  can  do  all  things,  through  Christ,  who 
strengtheneth  me."  Phil.  4  :  13.  Now  here  is  the  na- 
ture and  work  of  faith  :  when  Christ  dwells  in  our  hearts 
by  faith,  self-confidence  is  destroyed:  says  the  soul,  I 
am  weak  and  helpless  ;  I  am  not  sufficient  of  myself  to 
think  any  thing  as  of  myself,  but  my  sufficiency  is  of 
God.  2  Cor.  3 :  5.  This  language  is  a  proof  that  the 
Lord  is  in  the  midst  of  that  soul :  he  has  proved  that  he 
is  mighty  in  it  by  "  casting  down  imaginations  and 
every  high  thing  that  exalteth  itself  against  the  know- 
ledge of  God,  and  bringing  into  captivity  every  thought 
to  the  obedience  of  Christ."  2  Cor.  10  :  5.  His  mighty 
salvation  is  begun  in  that  heart  j  it  has  no  cause  for  de- 
jection ;  for, 

He  will  save :  you  believe  the  Lord's  might ;  he  is 
able  to  save  ;  his  word  declares  this,  and  his  work 
proves  his  willingness :  exercise  your  faith  upon  his 
will  to  save  you  both  from  all  your  fears  and  all  your 
foes;  cast  your  all  upon  the  will  of  Jesus  ;  for, 

He  will  rejoice  over  thee  vnth  joy  :  it  was  his  joy  to 
bleed  and  die  in  agony  and  blood  for  thee  ;  it  is  his  joy 
that  thou  comest  and  criest  to  him  as  a  lost  sinner  for 
salvation  :  he  will  rejoice  in  his  work  for  thee,  his  grace 
in  thee,  and  his  salvation  of  thee.  O,  well  mayest  thou 
be  called  on,  "  Rejoice  in  the  Lord  alway,  and  again,  I 
say,  rejoice."  Phil.  4  :  4. 


July  16. — That  he  should  gather  together  in  one,  the  children 
of  God  who  were  scattered  abroad.  John,  11  :  52. 

These  words  are   like  Samson's  riddle,  which  some 
read  thus  :  ''  Food  came  from  the  de,vourer,  and  sweet- 


294  JULY  16. 

ness  from  that  which  is  violent  or  fierce."  Judges,  14  : 
14.  Caiaphas  the  high  priest,  though  a  devourer  of  Je- 
sus, yet  holds  forth  precious  food :  though  violent  and 
fierce  against  Christ,  yet  he  delivers  sweet  truth.  Truth 
is  truth,  though  from  the  tongue  of  an  enemy  :  yea,  it  is 
a  double  confirmation  of  truth.  If  Christ  is  preached 
let  us  rejoice,  though  even  by  bad  men  and  from  bad 
principles.  The  Holy  Ghost  causes  this  wicked  high- 
priest  to  prophecy  of  Jesus.  By  these  words  the  Holy 
Spirit  plainly  instructs  us  in  the  following  precious 
truths :  O  that  we  may  receive  them  in  love  ! 

Though  the  whole  world  is  become  guilty  before  God, 
yet  he  has  his  people  who  are  here  called  the  children 
of  God :  they  were  not  so  by  nature,  but  children  of 
wrath,  even  as  others  :  but  God  '^  predestinated  them  un- 
to the  adoption  of  children,  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  himself, 
according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will."  Eph.  1 :  5. 
Simply  to  believe  this  is  to  bow  to  the  will  of  God :  to 
object  to  it  is  to  cavil  against  God's  good  pleasure  as 
well  as  his  mercy. 

These  children  are  all  scattered  abroad:  every  one  of 
them  is  turned  to  his  own  way  of  sin  and  folly  ;  they 
delight  in  their  distance  from  God  j  they  hate  the  know- 
ledge of  God,  and  are  at  enmity  against  his  law  :  they 
say  unto  God,  depart,  depart,  we  desire  not  the  know- 
ledge of  thee  :  they  sport  themselves  in  their  own  de- 
lusions ;  they  would  fill  up  the  measure  of  iniquity  till 
their  souls  drop  into  hell :  but. 

They  are  to  be  gathered  together  in  one  :  O  the  amaz- 
ing mercy  !  O  the  astonishing  grace  of  this !  Christ  is 
this  blessed  one  :  he,  like  a  good  shepherd,  gathers  his 
poor,  scattered,  lost  sheep  into  himself:  "unto  him 
shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  be."  Gen.  49  :  10.  "  He 
gathereth  the  outcasts."  Isa.  56  :  8.  They  were  given  to 
him  of  the  Father.  John,  17:  12.  Now  are  you  deeply 
concerned  to  know,  what  all  the  world  care  nothing 


JULY  17.  295 

about,  whether  you  are  a  child  of  God  \  Here  it  is  come 
to  a  point.  Has  Christ  gathered  you  1  Has  he  called 
you  by  the  grace  of  his  word  and  by  the  power  of  his 
Spirit  to  come  to  him  1  Have  you  seen  misery  and  de- 
struction in  yourself,  and  mercy  and  salvation  in  Christ  1 
Can  you  say  from  your  heart,  Jesus,  save  me  or  I  perish  1 
If  so,  you  are  surely  gathered  by  Christ :  you  are  really 
a  child  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ :  let  sin,  Satan,  and 
unbelief  ever  so  much  object  against  it,  doubt  not  of  it. 
Here  are  two  little  words,  worth  the  study  of  your  whole 
life,  IN  ONE :  O,  ever  meditate  upon  the  glory  and  bless- 
edness of  beinar  one  in  and  with  Christ  Jesus. 


July  17. — Thou  God  seest  me.     Gen.  16  :  13, 

^'  Why  sayest  thou,"  O  trembling  sinner,  "My  way  is 
hid  from  the  Lord  and  my  judgment  is  passed  over  from 
my  God  V  The  Lord  here  asks  thy  reason  and  re- 
proaches thy  speech.  Isa,  40:27.  Look  at  Hagar,  and 
be  ashamed  of  the  unbelieving  surmises  of  thy  heart. 
She  was  left  to  suffer  sore  distresses  ;  her  mistress 
treats  her  cruelly  :  she  flees  to  a  solitary  wilderness : 
here  was  no  eye  to  pity,  no  hand  to  relieve,  no  friend 
to  comfort  her ;  but  the  God  of  providence  follows 
her — the  angel  of  the  Lord,  rather  the  Lord,  the  angel, 
the  messenger  of  the  covenant,  the  Lord  Jesus  the  Sa- 
viour ;  he  found  her,  called  her  by  name,  inquires  the 
cause  of  her  distress,  and  bids  her  return  to  her  mis- 
tress. Hagar  knew  her  Saviour  :  she  sets  up  a  memo- 
rial of  his  sympathizing  love  for  her  and  care  over  her  : 
she  called  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  spake  unto  her, 
Thou  God  seest  me. 

O,  how  much  is  implied  in  thisl  In  every  distress 
remember  this  for  thy  comfort,  and  in  every  perplexity 
think  of  this  for  thy  support,  "  Thou  God  seest  me." 
Let  this  be  the  daily  watchword  of  thy  soul.  It  implies 


296  JULY  18. 

what  the  church  says,  "  J  was  in  his  eyes  as  one  who 
found  favor,"  or  peace.  Song,  8  :  10.  "  Therefore  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  me,  and  his  ears  are  open 
unto  my  prayers."  1  Pet.  3 :  12.  His  loving  eyes  looked 
upon  me,  pitied  me  when  I  was  polluted  in  my  blood, 
called  me  to  enjoy  his  favor  and  his  peace. 

Am  I  in  a  wilderness  of  perplexity  1  Do  I  find  no  one 
who  can  comfort  me  1  Do  I  think  I  have  deserted  the 
Lord,  and  therefore  he  hath  deserted  my  soul '?  Still  re- 
member, "  Thou  God  seest  we."  He  sees  the  sorrows, 
marks  the  sighs,  and  hears  the  complaints  of  thy  la- 
boring breast  with  an  eye  of  sympathy  and  a  heart  of 
love  5  our  great  High  Priest  is  most  tenderly  '^touched 
with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmittes."  Heb.  4  :  15.  There- 
fore he  searches  after  and  follows  us  with  this  tender 
and  compassionate  call,  '^Return  again  to  me."  Jer. 
3:1.'^  Come  unto  me  "  ye  weary  and  heavy  laden,  I  will 
give  rest  and  refreshment  to  your  souls.    Matt.  11  :  28. 

Is  there  sorrow  in  our  hearts  for  the  folly  of  our 
ways,  and  this  cry  in  our  souls,  "  Oh  that  it  was  with 
me  as  in  months  that  are  past  1  This  is  because  the 
Lord  sees  us  in  mercy,  comes  after  us  in  love,  and  has 
not  given  us  up  in  wrath  :  and  what  says  he  1  I  have 
seen  his  ways,  and  I  will — what  1  0  the  riches  of  grace  ! 
"I  will  heal  him."  I.sa.  57:  18.  Thou  God  seest  me:  O 
may  I  always  live  as  seeing  thee  by  the  eye  of  faith  j 
live  in  thy  service,  walk  in  thy  fear  unto  thy  glory. 


July  18. — The  rod  of  the  wicked  shall  not  rest  upon  the  lot 
of  the  righteous^  lest  the  righteous  put  forth  their  hands 
unto  iniquity.    Psalm  125  :  3. 

How  shall  we  draw  the  line  between  the  righteous 
and  the  wicked  1  How  shall  we  distinguish  them,  seeing 
they  are  both  alike  the  subjects  of  a  wicked  nature, 
derived  from  sinning  Adam  their   father  1    The  Holy 


JULY  18.  297 

Ghost  does  this:  he  sets  a  mark  upon  the  ilghteous,  by 
which  they  are  essentially  distinguished  from  the  wick- 
ed, in  the  first  verse  of  this  Psalm :  they  trust  in  the 
Lord.  The  wicked  trust  in  themselves  that  they  are 
righteous,  trust  in  their  own  power  to  make  and  keep 
themselves  so,  and  hope  for  God's  favor  and  heaven, 
because  they  are  so  :  they  trust  in  their  own  wisdom  to 
guide  them  through  life,  and  to  their  own  goodness  to 
make  them  happy  in  death.  The  righteous  are  stript  of 
their  own  righteousness  :  they  are  convinced  of  sin : 
they  are  poor,  hopeless,  desperate,  and  wretched  in 
themselves.  (Do  you  see  your  own  picture  here  1)  They 
trust  in  the  Lord  Jesus  for  righteousness  to  justify  and 
entitle  them  to  heaven  ;  to  cleanse  them  from  sin  :  for 
wisdom  to  guide,  power  to  support,  grace  to  sanctify, 
and  love  to  bring  them  to  glory. 

Now  these  two  classes  of  persons  are  diverse  from 
each  other :  the  face  of  one  is  towards  heaven,  of  the 
other  towards  hell.  They  are  of  two  seeds,  there  is 
enmity  put  between  them  :  the  wicked  have  always  a 
rod  for  the  back  of  the  righteous.  Ay,  and  for  wise  and 
gracious  ends  the  Lord  often  permits  them  to  use  it  for 
a  season;  yet  he  will  not  suffer  it  to  rest  there  long. 
Wicked  Saul  was  a  scourge  to  righteous  David,  so  was 
blaspheming  Sennacherib  to  good  Hezekiah;  and  says 
the  church,  "  Thou  hast  caused  men  to  ride  over  our 
heads."  Psalm  QQ  :  12.  Yet  David  came  to  the  throne. 
Hezekiah  and  his  people  were  unhurt  by  the  Assyrians : 
and  the  church  says,  "  We  went  through  fire  and  water, 
but  tliou  broughtest  us  into  the  wealthy  place." 

Here  is  a  reason  why  our  Lord  will  not  suffer  the 
rod  of  the  wicked  to  rest  on  the  righteous:  "lest  he 
put  forth  his  hand  unto  iniquity."  We  never  suffer  judg- 
ment, but  mercy  is  in  it :  our  troubles  are  dealt  out  to 
us  by  the  hand  of  love  :  mercy  is'mixed  with  them  all. 
The  Lord  knows  the  righteous  is  but  frail :  he  remem- 
13* 


298  JULY  19. 

bers  he  is  but  dust,  and  liable  to  sin  :  he  is  wise  to 
prevent  this.  When  oppression  and  trials  from  the 
wicked  bring  us  low  and  make  us  cry  to  the  Lord,  then 
we  honor  his  grace  and  his  power,  his  truth  and  his 
love,  by  the  affiance  of  our  heart :  "  He  will  fulfil  the 
desires  of  them  that  fear  him,  he  also  will  hear  their 
cry  and  will  save  them."  Psalm  145  :  19. 


July  19. — O  visit  me  with  thy  salvation.  Psalm  106  :  4. 

There  is  no  good  obtained  by  paying  trifling  visits 
and  receiving  trifling  visiters :  the  soul  that  is  alive  to 
God  will  be  unwilling  thus  to  sacrifice  time  :  Christ  hath 
redeemed  us  from  our  vain  conversation.  1  Peter,  1  :  18. 
Our  grand  business  is  to  be  contemplating,  glorying  in, 
and  talking  of  his  righteousness  and  his  salvation  all  the 
day  long :  this  was  David's  practice  ;  if  we  followed  it 
more,  we  too  should  say  with  him,  ''  My  lips  shall  great- 
ly rejoice,  and  my  soul  which  thou  hast  redeemed." 
Psalm  71  :  23.  As  our  joy  in  Christ  increases,  vain  im- 
pertinent acquaintances  forsake  us.  Here  is  the  cry  of 
a  convinced  sinner,  of  a  truly  gracious  heart ;  O  visit 
me  with  thy  salvation :  this  is  a  blessed  frame  of  soul ; 
Lord,  help  us  to  consider  it,  and  animate  us  to  live  to 
thee.  Here  is  spiritual  sight  and  spiritual  feeling.  What 
is  a  christian  without  these  1  Truly  sunk  into  a  state  of 
dead  formality. 

Here  is  spiritual  sight:  the  poor  sinner  sees  himself 
totally  ruined,  and  that  he  must  be  eternally  miserable, 
for  any  thing  he  can  do  to  save  himself;  sin  has  de- 
stroyed him,  and  the  law  of  God  curses  him  ;  but  he  sees 
that  Christ  has  perfectly  fulfilled  the  law,  suffered  its 
curse,  and  eternally  satisfied  Divine  justice.  Thus  is  sal- 
vation finished :  in  the  firm  belief  of  this  he  cries.  Visit 
ME,  even  me,  a  desperate  sinner  in  myself,  with  the 
joys  of  thy  salvation.   0  Jebus,  I  cannot  be  content  with 


JULY  20.  299 

hearing  of  salvation,  with  seeing  it  is  for  sinners,  with 
believing  it  is  everlastingly  finished  for  them,  without 
tasting  the  joys  and  feeding  upon  the  comforts  of  it  in 
my  own  soul. 

Here  also  is  spiritual/eeZz;^^.  Laugh  on,  deride  as  you 
please,  ye  giddy  multitude,  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  liv- 
ing souls.  We  feel  the  bitter  of  our  misery  as  sinners  j 
we  groan,  being  burdened  with  a  body  of  sin  and  death  ; 
we  cry  out,  Oh  wretched  that  we  are,  who  shall  deliver 
usl  But,  blessed  be  God,  "  We  do  know  and  feel  that 
there  is  nc?ne  other  name  under  heaven  given  to  men, 
in  whom  and  through  whom  we  may  receive  health  and 
salvation,  but  only  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :" 
this  is  the  sweet  feeling  of  faith ;  therefore  in  faith  we 
cry,  Visit  me,  miserable  me,  with  thy  salvation.  Lord 
Jesus ;  make  me  feel  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth 
all  understanding ;  0  shed  abroad  in  my  heart  the  love 
of  God.  The  Lord  keep  our  souls  in  this  believing,  pray- 
ing, tender,  loving  frame  below,  till  we  come  to  full 
fruition  above,  rejoicing  that  we  are  made  '^  wise  unto 
salvation."  2  Timothy,  3  :  15. 


July  20. — Know  ye  not  your  oicn  selves,  how  that  Jesus  Christ 
is  in  you,  except  ye  he  reprobates  ?    2  Cor.  13  :  5. 

Happy  for  ministers,  when  their  mission  from  Christ 
is  called  in  question,  to  appeal  to  their  people's  hearts 
to  prove  that  Christ  hath  spoken  to  them.  Happy  for 
christians,  to  examine,  prove,  and  know  themselves,  and 
to  find  Christ  in  them.  Ignorance  of  ourselves  lies  at 
the  bottom  of  error  and  self-deceit.  Lord,  help  us  deep- 
ly to  consider  this  important  question. 

*'  Know  ye  not  your  own  selves  ?"  Come,  you  who 
are  ready  to  judge  ministers,  find  fault  with  them,  and 
call  their  gifts  and  graces  in  question  :  look  at  home  : 
know  yourselves  j  be  not  puffed  up  :  consider  yourselves  j 


300  JULY  20. 

be  humble.  Your  hearts  are  "  deceitful  above  all  things, 
and  desperately  wicked  j"  your  nature  is  totally  corrupt : 
in  your  flesh  dwells  no  good  thing  !  its  motions  are  to 
bring  forth  fruit  unto  death :  they  tend  continually  unto 
sin.  Know,  that  there  is  no  difference  in  your  nature 
from  that  of  the  most  vile  and  abandoned  sinner  upon 
the  face  of  the  earth.  If  left  to  yourselves,  there  is  not 
the  most  atrocious  sin  but  you  might  commit ;  there  is 
not  a  hell  in  which  others  are  eternally  suffering  for 
sin,  but  what  you  justly  deserve  and  would  fall  into  :  for 
your  sinful  nature  is  as  reprobate,  corrupt  and  adulte- 
rate as  others,  even  as  the  most  vile  ',  yea,  and  your 
state  is  also  by  nature  as  bad  as  others,  even  children 
of  wrath.  Know  ye  not  your  own  selves  1  Has  the  Spirit 
of  truth  made  you  thus  acquainted  with  yourselves  1 
Be  not  afraid  to  see  and  know  the  very  worst  of  your- 
self.   For, 

Know  ye  not  that  "  Jesus  Christ  is  in  you,  except  ye 
be  reprobates  1"  Blessed  distinction  !  In  this  the  elect 
differ  from  the  reprobate  ;  the  former  have  Christ  in 
them;  the  latter  reject  Christ,  and  are  without  any  true 
knowledge  of  him,  faith  in  him,  and  love  to  him.  What 
is  implied  in  Christ's  being  in  us  1  His  dwelling  in  our 
hearts  by  faith :  a  clear  knowledge  of  him,  cordially  re- 
ceiving him,  heartily  believing  on  him,  steadfastly  cleav- 
ing to  him,  constantly  abiding  in  him,  steadily  looking 
to  him  as  he  is  revealed  in  the  word,  the  righteousness 
of  sinners,  the  atonement  of  the  guilty,  justification  for 
the  ungodly,  and  the  Saviour  of  the  hopeless,  helpless, 
and  desperate.  Therefore,  He  is  precious  to  us,  as  be- 
ing suitable  for  us  in  his  glorious  person  and  all  his 
blessed  offices  ;  hence  our  hearts  go  after  him,  our  affec- 
tions are  placed  on  him,  and  it  is  the  desire  and  delight 
of  our  souls  to  honor,  serve  and  obey  him  :  thus  self- 
knowledge  and  the  knowledge  of  Christ  are  the  very 
criterion    of  salvation.     O  that  we  may  sink  into  the 


JULY  21.  301 

depths  of  humility  by  the  one,  and  rise  to  the  heights 
of  comfort,  peace  and  joy  by  the  other  :  so  shall  we 
prove  that  we  have  true  christian  experience  of  the 
love  and  grace  of  Christ. 


July  2]  .—Only  believe.    Mark,  5  :  36. 

A  short  answer  to  a  case  of  great  distress  :  a  simple 
recipe  from  the  greatest  Physician  :  a  grand  catholicon, 
or  universal  remedy  that  suits  all  cases,  states  and  cir- 
cumstances, and  is  seasonable  at  all  times.  Look  at  this 
history  :  look  to  the  Author  of  faith  to  profit  by  it.  Here 
is  a  ruler  falls  at  Christ's  feet,  beseeching  help  for  his 
daughter  at  the  point  of  death  :  Jesus  went  with  him  : 
before  he  arrives  at  the  house  news  is  brought  that  the 
child  is  dead :  the  Lord  of  life  and  death  forbids  the 
father's  fears  :  be  not  afraid  ;  he  encourages  his  hope  : 
only  believe.  Fears  are  natural  to  sinners  ]  faith  expels 
them.    Christ  restores  her  to  life  :  joyful  news  for  us. 

Here  is  precious  encouragement  for  our  faith  in  every 
application  to  Christ :  a  marvellous  display  of  his  great 
love,  ready  will,  and  almighty  power  to  help  and  relieve 
us :  he  not  only  restores  at  the  last  gasp,  but  when  life 
is  departed  recalls  it.  If  your  soul  is  alive  to  God,  you 
have  experienced  this  :  it  was  dead  in  sin :  Christ  quick- 
ened you :  now  he  is  your  life  ;  how  are  you  to  walk 
and  enjoy  the  comfort  of  this  1  Only  believe.  How 
many  hearts  burn  with  indignation  against  this  doctrine  % 
How  many  taunt  us,  '^  O,  you  are  all  for  faith,  nothing 
but  faith,  only  believe  !"  True,  vv^e  are  all  for  Christ,  no- 
thing but  Christ,  only  Christ  j  and  we  can  enjoy  him 
only  by  believing  :  he  reproves  our  slowness  of  heart 
to  believe  as  our  greatest  folly.  Luke,  24  :  25.  All  our 
comfort  flows  from  faith ;  all  our  misery  from  unbelief. 

Bring  this  to  a  point.  Are  we  groaning  under  the 
burden  of  inbred  sin,  vexed  with  sore  temptations  ]   Do 


302  JULY  22. 

we  feel  the  accusations  of  conscience,  fear  the  terrors 
of  a  broken  law,  see  the  drawn  sword  of  justice  in  the 
hand  of  a  sin-avenging  God,  and  tremble  at  the  solemn 
thoughts  of  death  and  judgment  %  Under  all  this,  what 
can  bring  relief  to  our  conscience,  hope  to  our  mind, 
and  peace  to  our  soul '(  07ily  believe  that  Christ  hath 
redeemed,  justified,  and  will  eternally  glorify  us  :  this  is 
death  to  our  fears  and  life  to  our  joys.  Again,  how  is 
the  life  of  holiness  maintained  1  Only  believe  that  walk- 
ing in  fellowship  with  Christ  infinitely  exceeds  all  the 
pleasures  of  sin,  the  joys  of  sense,  and  the  happiness  of 
the  world.  Faith  elevates  the  soul  above  all  this,  and 
causes  it  to  look  down  with  a  holy  contempt  upon  it. 
Faith  enjoys  Christ,  that  is  heaven  in  the  heart.  In  this 
steadfast  faith  we  are  to  resist  Satan,  1  Pet.  5  :  9,  and 
"  overcome  the  world."   1  John,  5:4.. 


July  22. — Whosoeve?'  liveth  and  helieveth  in  me  shall  never  die, 
believest  thou  this  ?     John,  11  :  2Q. 

In  a  state  of  declining  strength  and  dejection  of 
spirits,  and  in  consideration  of  the  near  approach  of 
death,  these  precious  words  of  our  dear  Lord  were 
brought  to  my  mind  ;  and  were  as  a  comforting,  reviv- 
ing draught  to  my  spirits.  Lord,  I  bless  thee  for  them. 
O,  my  soul,  dwell  on  them. 

Am  I  a  sinner  born  to  die  %  Is  death  the  wages  of  sin  1 
Must  these  eyes  which  now  read  these  precious  sayings 
be  soon  closed  by  death  1  Must  the  hand  which  now 
directs  this  pen  be  shortly  stiff  in  death  1  Yet  dost  thou, 
my  Lord,  say,  living  and  believing  in  thee,  I  "  shall 
never  die  V  Dost  thou  ask  me,  ''  Believest  thou  this  V 
Lord,  thou  who  knowest  all  things,  knowest  that  by  thy 
grace  I  can  say,  thou  art  the  Son  of  God  :  thou  hast 
fulfilled  thine  own  promise,  "  O  death,  I  will  be  thy 
plague  J  0  grave,  I  will    be   thy  destruction."    Hosea, 


JULY  23.  303 

13 :  14.  "  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory."  1  Cor. 
15:54.  "Shall  never  die :"  death  has  lost  his  form; 
he  is  changed  from  a  substance  into  a  shadow.  Psalm 
23 :  4.  Only  children  and  fools  are  afraid  of  a  shadow. 

Glory  to  thee,  my  Lord,  that  I  am  a  man  in  under- 
standing, and  by  thee  am  made  "  wise  unto  salvation." 
Death  has  lost  both  his  sting  and  his  strength  ;  sin  is 
atoned  ;  the  law  is  fulfilled :  I  believe  in  thee,  O  Jesus, 
who  hast  done  both  for  the  victory  ;  it  is  mine  ;  I  have 
it  in  possession  ;  thy  word  cannot  fail ;  thou  hast  said, 
I  "  shall  never  die."  The  terrors  of  death  are  changed 
into  the  sweet  composure  of  sleep.  I  shall  soon  fall  into 
this  precious  rest,  sleep  in  thee  ;  thou  shalt  soon  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  mine  eyes  ;  I  shall  awake  with  thee, 
and  sin  and  sorrow  shall  be  no  more  for  ever.  O,  well 
mayest  thou  ask,  "  Believest  thou  this  V  For  in  the 
faith  of  this  consists  all  my  comfort,  which  results  in 
loving  thee  and  glorifying  thee  in  life  and  in  death. 

''  Faith  works  by  love  :"  it  works  by  the  Father's 
everlasting  love,  in  giving  his  holy  Son  to  be  our  Sa- 
viour :  it  works  by  the  precious  love  of  Thee,  thou  sin- 
atoning,  law-fulfilling,  justice-satisfying,  death-conquer- 
ing Son  of  God  :  it  works  by  the  love  of  Thee,  thou 
soul-renewing,  faith-begetting,  sin-subduing  Spirit  of 
holiness  and  truth.  This  is  the  vital  principle  of  love, 
from  which  faith  springs,  upon  which  it  lives,  and  by 
which  it  works  :  here  faith  is  all  in  all ;  for  it  brings 
Christ  and  all  his  victories  into  the  heart,  puts  death 
and  every  enemy  under  our  feet,  silences  all  Satan's 
accusations  and  all  legal  condemnations.  '^  This  is  the 
victory,  even  our  faith."   1  John,  5  :  4. 


July  23. — Beloved,  if  our  heart  condemn  us  not,  then  have  we 
confidence  towards  God.     1  John,  3  :  21. 
A  text  misapplied  is  like  a  bone  out  of  joint,  which 
puts  the  body  to  pain  :  this  text  may  have  such  an  effect 


304  JULY  23. 

upon  the  soul  j  for,  what  poor  sinner  is  there  upon 
earth  but  his  heart  must  condemn  him  for  coming  short 
of  God's  glory  and  perfect  obedience  to  his  holy  law  1 
Must  he  therefore  give  up  his  "  confidence  towards 
God  V  This  evidently  was  not  the  apostle's  design  : 
this  would  effectually  destroy  love  to  God,  and  take 
away  the  comfort  of  faith,  that  "  there  is  no  condemna- 
tion to  them  who  are  in  Christ  Jesus."  Rom.  8:1.  What 
means  he  then  1  Plainly  to  establish  our  heart  in  the 
faith  of  God's  love  to  us  in  Christ,  and  from  this  love 
experienced  in  the  heart,  to  awaken  love  to  our  brethren 
in  Christ;  for  the  context  shows  that  this  is  the  scope 
of  the  passage.  This  also  is  an  experienced  truth,  that 
if  faith  and  love  abate,  our  hearts  condemn  us  and  our 
confidence  towards  God  grows  weak :  in  proportion  to 
our  lively  faith  and  warm  love,  confidence  towards  God 
is  strong. 

As  to  faith:  the  apostle  calls  on  us,  1  JohUj  3 :  1, 
'^  Behold  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed 
upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God." 
Now,  are  you  beholding,  believing  and  living  upon  this 
stupendous  love  of  God  in  Christ  1  Are  you  dwelling 
upon  it  1  Does  it  engage  your  attention  1  Does  it  cap- 
tivate your  affections  1  Does  it  swallow  up  the  low, 
inordinate  love  of  the  world  1  If  not,  your  heart  will 
condemn  you;  your  confidence  in  God  will  abate  ;  you 
will  not  delight  in  him  with  the  affection  of  a  child,  nor 
draw  nigh  to  him  with  joyful  gladness,  as  to  your  loving 
Father. 

So  of  love :  it  is  of  love  to  the  brethren  of  Christ  the 
apostle  is  here  treating :  lively  faith  in  Christ  ever  be- 
gets warm  love  to  our  brethren ;  then  we  have  strong 
confidence  towards  God,  that  he  is  our  loving  Father 
and  we  his  obedient  children  ;  but  if  love  be  wanting, 
our  hearts  will  smite  and  reproach  us  and  confidence  in 
God  forsake  us. 


JULY  24.  305 

See  hence,  that  all  our  comforts  spring  from  our  con- 
fidence towards  God,  and  all  our  distress  from  our 
hearts  condemning  us  for  want  of  faith  and  love.  O  let 
us  cry  to  the  blessed  Spirit  to  enable  us  to  live  more 
upon  love,  the  matchless,  everlasting,  unchangeable  love 
of  God  to  us  in  Christ  Jesus.  Let  us  be  thankful  that 
he  has  given  us  feeling  hearts,  which  are  not  like  the 
wicked,  hardened  by  the  deceitfulness  of  sin  ;  but  are 
tender,  to  feel  the  least  condemnation ;  and  when  our 
hearts  condemn  us,  let  us  flee  to  our  great  High 
Priest,  who  is  touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities. 
Heb.  4  :  15. 


July  24. — Wherefore  let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take  heed 
lest  he  fall.   1  Cor.  10  :  12. 

Formal  professors  of  his  name  are  called  the  Lord's 
people,  as  well  as  those  who  are  possessors  of  his  love  : 
the  former  for  want  of  love  to  God  have  no  zeal  for  his 
glory :  hence  they  are  careless  of  their  walk,  and  are 
liable  to  fall  from  the  height  of  a  towering  profession 
into  the  bottomless  pit  of  perdition.  Possessors  of  God's 
love  are  also  liable  to  fall  into  many  things  which  may 
wound  their  souls,  bring  distress  into  their  consciences, 
a  dishonor  on  the  name  and  Gospel  of  Christ,  and  give 
enemies  an  occasion  to  blaspheme  that  worthy  name  by 
which  they  are  called. 

O  christians,  see  to  your  standing  :  you  are  called 
upon  as  you  love  your  dear  Saviour,  as  you  value  the 
peace  of  God  and  the  comfort  of  your  souls,  to  '^  take 
heed  lest  you  fall."  Be  not  high-minded,  but-fear :  yon 
stand  by  faith.  The  dreadful  falls  of  others  are  here  set 
before  us  for  ensamples,  types  or  patterns  of  the  awful 
judgment  of  God  against  sin,  and  as  a  warning  to  us  to 
beware  that  we  fall  not  as  they  did. 

They  fell  into  idolatry :  0  beware  of  sacrificing  your 


306  JULY  25. 

precious  time  and  attention  to  heathenish  vanities.  Any- 
thing that  takes  your  heart  from  God  is  an  idol.  Mixing 
with  the  Avicked  and  profane,  to  partake  of  their  carnal 
joys,  is  a  species  of  idolatry.  You  as  much  as  say  I  can- 
not find  complete  happiness  in  God,  therefore  I  seek  it 
here.  "  Covetousness  is  idolatry."  Col.  3:5.  A  cove- 
tous man  seeks  that  in  his  gold  which  can  only  be  en- 
joyed in  God :  be  sure  the  anger  of  the  Lord  will  smoke 
against  such. 

They  "  tempted  Christ :"  0  beware  how  you  distrust 
the  grace,  power,  and  faithfulness  of  Christ  to  keep  you 
and  comfort  you,  so  as  to  withdraw  your  faith  in  him, 
hope  in  him,  and  prayer  to  him  :  or  tempt  him,  by  pre- 
suming on  his  power  to  keep  you  in  the  midst  of  snares 
and  temptations,  while  you  wilfully  run  into  them. 

They  '^  murmured :"  O  watch  against  a  spirit  of  dis- 
satisfaction with  the  dispensations  of  providence  and 
the  displays  of  grace  :  the  pride  of  our  nature  is  prone 
to  find  fault  with  both.  What  caused  all  this  1  They 
'^  lusted  after  evil  things  :"  this  is  the  source  and  spring 
of  every  sin :  '^  When  lust  hath  conceived,  it  bringeth 
forth  sin,  and  sin  when  it  is  finished,  bringeth  forth 
death."  James,  1  :  15.  What  is  the  sovereign  antidote 
against  all  this  1  Standing  in  and  w^alking  by  the  faith 
of  the  Son  of  God :  this  brings  fellowship  with  God. 
Hence  lust  is  killed  in  the  heart,  that  it  cannot  break 
out  into  sin  in  the  life  :  ''  Be  ye  therefore  sober,  and 
watch  unto  prayer."   1  Peter,  4-  :  7. 


July  25. — Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  glad7iess,  that  the  hones 
which  thou  hast  broken  may  rejoice.  Psalm  51  :  8. 

Of  all  the  curses  of  sin,  may  the  Lord  deliver  us  from 
Antinomian  licentiousness,  which  consists  in  being  so 
hardened  by  the  deceitfulness  of  sin,  as  to  make  light 
of  it.  Though  David  had  been  awfully  licentious  in  his 


JULY  25.  307 

practice,  yet  we  see  the  grace  of  the  saint  shine  forth 
in  his  brokenness  of  heart,  sorrow  of  soul,  and  contrition 
of  spirit  for  his  sins. 

Never  quote  David's  dreadful  fall,  without  his  deep, 
heart-broken  sorrow  and  repentance  :  never  think  of 
one  without  the  other  j  lest  you  think  slightly  of  the 
most  cursed  evil  of  all  evils,  wilful  sin  against  a  gra- 
cious God.  O  who  can  tell  the  horrors  of  soul  and 
terrors  of  conscience  David  felt  when  he  uttered  these 
words!  Consider  them,  0  my  soul:  the  Lord  make  sin 
more  dreadful  to  thy  view,  and  hateful  in  thy  sight. 

Spiritual  joy  and  gladness  of  soul  in  the  Lord  had 
forsaken  him  :  what  had  the  gratifying  of  his  accursed 
passions  brought  upon  him  !  A  guilty  conscience,'  a 
heavy  heart,  and  a  disconsolate  soul:  the  spirit  of  peace 
and  joy  was  grieved  at  his  conduct,  and  withdrawn 
from  his  soul :  Satan,  the  tempter,  was  now  his  accuser : 
the  ghost  of  Uriah  appeared  to  his  mind  j  the  thought 
of  Bathsheba  brought  hell  into  his  conscience  :  all  with-' 
in  was  terror :  all  around  distress,  and  all  above  horror  : 
but  the  Lord  had  not  given  him  up  to  a  reprobate  mind  j 
he  convinced  him  of  sin,  and,  by  grace,  broke  his  heart 
for  it.  Hence,  ''behold  he  prayeth  :"  O,  was  it  possible 
to  recall  the  accursed  lust  and  bloody  deed,  he  would 
rather  have  parted  with  his  crown  and  kingdom  than 
ever  have  been  guilty  of  them.  What  would  he  not 
now  give  to  hear  the  joy  of  pardon  from  God,  to  make 
glad  his  soul  ? 

He  complains  of  ''  broken  bones."  Who  can  describe 
the  pain  of  mind  he  now  felt  1  A  broken  bone  must  be 
extremely  painful:  but  he  seems  to  feel  as  though  all 
the  bones  in  his  body  were  broken :  Lord,  deliver  us 
from  sin  which  caused  it !  But  why  does  he  ascribe 
their  being  broken  to  God  1  Did  not  his  fall  cause  it  1 
Yes.  But  he  lay  many  months,  as  it  were,  benumbed 
by  his  fall,  and  insensible  of  his  hurt  j  but  God  con- 


308  JULY  26. 

vinced  him  of  his  sins,  and  quickened  him  to  feel  pam. 
O  ye  who  make  a  mock  of  sin,  see,  God  breaks  the 
bones  even  of  his  beloved  saints  for  it :  better  to  groan 
with  broken  bones  on  earth,  than  under  damnation  in 
hell.  O  think  of  David's  pains  and  groans  under  a  sense 
of  sin:  remember,  Peter  "  went  out  and  wept  bitterly  " 
for  sin:  see  hence  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin,  but 
forget  not  the  Saviour,  ''  whose  precious  blood  cleans- 
eth  from  all  sin."   1  John,  1  :  7. 


July  2Q. — Behold^  the  skin  of  the  face  of  Moses  shone,  ana 
they  were  afraid  to  come  nigh  him.    Exod.  34 :  30. 

^ere  see  the  glorious  effect  of  being  on  the  mount 
with  God,  of  having  free  access  to  him,  and  holy  con- 
verse with  him.  When  we  draw  nigh  to  God  and  he 
draws  nigh  to  us,  our  souls  catch  the  splendor  and  glory 
of  his  grace:  this  revives  our  countenance  and  makes 
our  face  to  shine.  Here  is  something  worthy  of  our 
attention,  for  the  inspired  writer  calls  upon  us.  Behold ! 
Lord,  give  us  to  behold  this  to  our  edification  and 
comfort. 

When  Moses  came  down  from  the  mount  his  face 
shone,  but  he  knew  it  not :  0,  it  is  well  for  us,  when  we 
are  so  wholly  taken  up  with  the  majesty  and  glory  of 
our  Lord,  and  see  such  splendor  of  grace  and  love  shine 
in  his  countenance  as  not  to  be  looking  at  ourselves 
and  admiring  our  own  gifts  and  graces  :  it  is  to  imitate 
the  worthless  fop  to  look  in  a  glass  to  admire  ourselves. 

ThouD-h  Moses  knew  not  that  the  skin  of  his  face 
shone,  yet  others  saw  it  and  were  afraid  to  come  near 
him.  Here  behold  the  glory  and  majesty  of  the  holy 
law  of  God  ;  like  the  face  of  Moses,  it  darts  its  piercing 
rays  of  light  and  terror  into  the  consciences  of  poor 
sinners :  it  works  wrath,  it  fills  the  soul  with  the  know- 
ledge of  sin,  the  fear  of  hell,  and  the  dread  of  damna- 


JULY  27.  309 

tion :  there  is  a  glory  in  the  law,  though  it  ministers 
nothing  but  condemnation. 

The  face  of  Moses  shone  so  that  he  was  forced  to 
put  a  veil  on  it  while  he  was  talking  to  the  people.  Did 
so  much  of  the  glory  of  the  law  shine  in  the  face  of 
Moses,  but  with  borrowed  splendor,  that  they  could  not 
behold  his  face  1  then  how  terrifying,  how  dreadful  for 
sinners  to  stand  before  the  majesty  of  divine  justice, 
and  to  be  arraigned  by  divine  truth,  as  transgressors  of 
the  holy  law  of  God  1  Who  can  bear  the  thought  with- 
out terror  1  Who  can  bear  the  sight  without  death  and 
destruction  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  1  O  think  of 
the  law  in  all  its  dread  and  terror  :  see  sin  in  all  its  ex- 
ceeding sinfulness ;  and  then  consider  the  ministration 
of  righteousness  which  exceeds  in  glory  through  the 
love  and  grace  of  our  dear  Mediator :  we  are  called  to 
behold  him,  but  not  with  a  veil  upon  his  face  :  for  "  we 
all  with  open  face  behold,  as  in  a  glass,  the  glory  of  the 
Lord."  2  Cor.  3  :  18. 

Did  the  Lord  cause  the  face  of  Moses  thus  to  shine*? 
Eternal  praises  to  him,  "  he  hath  shined  in  our  hearts, 
to  give  us  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of 
God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ."  2  Cor.  4:6.  In  him 
we  see  the  law  fulfilled,  its  curse  sustained,  our  souls 
redeemed  from  all  its  terror  and  bondage,  and  brought 
into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God.  ''  Ye  are 
not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace."  Rom.  6  :  14. 


July  27. — If  we  live  in  the  Spirit,  let  us  also  ivalk  in  the  Spirit. 
Galatians,  5 :  25. 
These  two  things  the  enemy  of  souls  works  power- 
fully against:  To  keep  sinners  from  coming  to  Christ 
for  salvation  5  and  when  they  come,  to  prevent  their 
enjoying  the  comfortable  knowledge  that  Christ  is  their 
Saviour :  and  our  own  legal  hearts  and  wicked  natures 


310  JULY  27. 

join  the  enemy  of  our  peace  and  salvation  in  both.  But 
love  lives  and  reigns  above  :  our  Saviour  sees  how  it  is 
with  us,  and  sends  the  power  of  his  Spirit  to  help,  re- 
lieve, and  comfort  us  j  the  Spirit  quickens  us  when 
dead  in  sin,  and  then  guides  us  in  our  walk.  What  need 
we  then  of  exhortations'?  Much,  very  much  ;  for,  con- 
sider, the  walk  is  ours :  to  order  our  steps  aright,  is  by 
the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Our  evidence  and  enjoy- 
ment of  our  interest  in  Christ  are  experienced  only  in 
a  holy  walk,  or  walking  in  the  Spirit.  The  battle  is  the 
Lord's ;  yet  David  was  to  engage  and  conquer  Goliath. 
''  The  Lord  gave  him  the  victory."  1  Sam.  17 :  47. 
Exhortations  point  out  our  weakness,  our  need  of  the 
Spirit's  help,  and  they  excite  us  to  pray  for  it. 

What  is  it  to  walk  in  the  Spirit  1  It  is  to  "  mind  the 
things  of  the  Spirit  j"  those  spiritual  truths  revealed  in 
the  Gospel  concerning  our  hope  of  eternal  life  by  the 
sin-atoning  death  and  law-fulfilling  life  of  the  Son  of 
God  5  it  is  to  set  our  affections  upon  Christ,  seek  all 
our  happiness  in  him,  and  expect  daily  support  from 
him  ;  to  make  his  precious  blood  and  everlasting  righ- 
teousness our  constant  plea,  expecting  the  reviving  sense 
of  God  the  Father's  favor  and  love  to  us  only  in  him. 

Again,  it  is  to  go  forward,  step  by  step,  day  after 
day,  looking  for  and  depending  on  the  Spirit's  assist- 
ance to  keep  our  souls  close  to  Jesus,  and  to  maintaiy. 
fellowship  with  him  ;  and  to  show  that  our  hearts  are 
simple  and  sincere,  we  shall  be  diligent  in  the  means  of 
grace,  studious  to  exercise  our  graces  on  Christ,  and  be 
uniform  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty — what  a  blessed 
walk  is  this!  This  is  the  walk  of  comfort,  peace,  and 
holiness  j  do  you  not  find  it  so  1  Persevere  in  it  j  so 
will  you  walk  above  the  accusing  terrors  of  the  law,  the 
grovelling  life  of  sense,  the  defiling  life  of  sin,  the  vain 
life  of  worldly  pleasures,  and  the  distressing  life  of 
Satan's  power. 


JULY  28.  311 

Wouldst  thou  enjoy  spiritual  comfort  1  Th.s  can  only 
be  found  in  a  spiritual  walk.  Dost  thou  complain  for 
want  of  it  1  Examine  thy  walk  ;  follow  the  Lamb  where- 
soever he  goeth.  Beware  lest  carnal  notions  prevail, 
and  by  living  after  the  flesh  you  condemn  what  is  truly 
evangelical  and  spiritual.  '^  They  who  are  after  the 
Spirit,  do  mind  the  things  of  the  Spirit."    Rom.  8  : 5. 


July  28. — If  we  walk  in  the  light  as  he  is  in  the  light,  we  have 
fellowship  one  with  another,  and  the  Hood  of  Jesus  Christ 
his  Son  deanseth  us  from  all  si?i.    1  John,  1  :  7. 

The  walk  of  many  professors  seems  to  speak  this 
language  :  "  Why  cannot  we  love  the  world,  indulo-e 
ourselves  in  the  ways  of  it,  and  yet  enjoy  fellowship 
with  Godl  Now  we  have  clear  notions  of  the  doctrines 
of  grace,  of  acceptance  with  God,  and  justification  be- 
fore him,  why  need  we  be  so  very  precise  in  our  con- 
duct V  As  though  they  were  desirous  to  walk  as  near 
as  possible  to  the  very  borders  of  hell,  and  yet  hope  to 
arrive  safe  in  heaven  at  last.  Such  walk  not  in  the  light  of 
truth  ;  in  the  comfort  of  love  ;  in  fellowship  with  God. 

What  is  fellowship  with  Godl  It  is  a  sweet,  heart- 
felt concord,  harmony  and  agreement  betjveen  God  and 
our  souls  ;  a  mutual  communion  of  spirits  j  a  free  com- 
munication from  the  Lord  to  us,  and  from  us  to  the 
Lord :  just  as  two  loving  friends  have  between  each 
other,  as  though  but  one  soul  possessed  both.  Lord,  to 
what  a  high,  holy,  and  honorable  state  are  we  miserable 
sinners  admitted :  eternal  thanks  to  thee,  O  Jesus, 
Jirough  whom  we  are  admitted  ;  and  to  thee,  0  Holy 
Spirit,  who  hast  formed  us  for  the  enjoyment  of  this 
inestimable  blessing.  Lord  grant  that  we  may  prize 
this  sweet  fellowship  above  all  things,  yea,  above  life 
itself;  for  what  is  life  w^ithout  it  % 

But  how  is  this  fellowship  enjoyed  1  By  walking  in 


312  JULY  29. 

the  light :  God  dvvelleth  in  the  light.  We  must  walk 
where  God  is  to  have  fellowship  with  him.  Christ  is  the. 
light :  God  is  in  Christ :  by  faith  in  Christ  we  walk 
with  God,  and  have  fellowship  with  him.  Here  the 
Father  is  well  pleased  with  us,  and  we  with  him :  we 
communicate  to  him  our  wants :  he  communicates  to 
us  every  rich  supply  out  of  the  fulness  of  Christ.  Christ 
shines  in  the  light  of  truth  :  in  every  doctrine  which 
Hows  from  him  and  centres  in  him.  Are  we  loved, 
called,  justified,  sanctified,  and  preserved  unto  salva- 
tion %  It  is  in  him  :  we  are  to  walk  in  that  faith  which 
worketh  by  the  love  of  these  truths,  worketh  love  to 
them,  and  to  God  for  them  ;  and  this  faith  and  love  is 
contrary  to  all  the  darkness  of  sin  and  error.  Christ  the 
light  shines  in  all  his  commands :  faith  receives  them  : 
in  love  we  obey  and  walk  in  them. 

But  though  we  walk  in  the  light,  yet  sin  dwelleth  in 
us.  What  theni  As  sure  as  we  have  fellowship  with 
God,  "  the  blood  of  Jesus  his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all 
sin."  Did  it  cleanse  us  yesterday  1  So  it  will  to-day,  to 
morrow,  and  to  the  end  of  life.  Who  shall  dare  to  set 
bounds  to  the  cleansing  virtue  of  the  blood  of  the  Son 
of  God  1  No  sin  too  great,  no  sinner  too  vile  for  this 
precious  blooti  to  cleanse.  The  chief  of  all  sinners 
speaks  from  experience ;  let  not  one  despair ;  for  we 
sinners  "  have  boldness  to  enter  into  God's  presence  by 
the  blood  of  Jesus."    Hebrews,   10  :  19. 


July  29. — Return,  ye  hacksliding    children,    and  I  ivill   heal 
your  hachslidings.    Jeremiah,  3  :  22. 

Backsliding  is  a  species  of  apostacy  from  the  faith  j 
apostacy  is  the  high  road  to  destruction:  total  apostacy 
will  certainly  end  in  eternal  damnation  ;  for  there  can 
neither  be  repentance  or  hope  for  such  a  soul.  The 
Son  of  God  is  the  only  sacrifice  for  sin  j  this  he  once 


JULY  29.  313 

professed  to  believe :  but  now  he  tramples  on  his  pre- 
cious blood,  wilfully  despises  and  rejects  our  Saviour; 
so  that  now  he  has  only  "  a  certain  fearful  looking  for 
of  judgment  and  fiery  indignation,"  which  shall  devour 
every  adversary  of  Christ.  Heb.  10  :  27. 

Most  striking  is  the  picture  of  such,  drawn  by  Bunyan 
in  his  Pilgrim's  Progress  as  a  man  in  an  iron  cage  who 
thus  confesses:  "I  was  once  a  fair  and  flourishing  pro- 
fessor, both  in  mine  own  eyes  and  the  eyes  of  others ; 
I  was,  as  I  thought,  fair  for  the  celestial  city,  and  had 
even  joy  at  the  thoughts  that  I  should  get  thither;  but 
I  left  off  to  watch  and  be  sober  ;  laid  the  reins  upon  the 
neck  of  my  lusts  ;  I  sinned  against  the  light  of  the  word 
and  the  goodness  of  my  God  ;  I  grieved  the  Spirit,  and 
he  is  gone  ;  I  tempted  the  devil,  and  he  has  come  to  me  j 
I  provoked  God  to  anger,  and  he  has  left  me  ;  I  have  so 
hardened  my  heart  that  I  cannot  repent.  O,  eternity  ! 
eternity !  how  shall  I  grapple  with  the  misery  I  must 
meet  with  in  eternity  !"  Lord,  enable  me  to  take  warn- 
ing by  others,  and  obey  thy  gracious  words,  which 
prevent  thy  children's  total  apostacy  from  thee. 

Observe  the  conduct  of  the  Lord  to  such;  he  arraigns 
them  in  the  former  verses  for  treacherously  departing 
from  him,  like  a  wife  from  her  husband :  O  what  per- 
fidious, faithless  conduct !  for  perverting  their  way 
before  God ;  and  for  forgetting  the  Lord  their  God, 
which  is  the  cause  of  every  evil.  If  the  objects  of  time 
and  sense  drive  the  memory  of  the  Lord  from  our  minds, 
though  but  an  hour,  how  foolishly  do  we  act !  Our 
hearts  imperceptibly  backslide  from  the  sense  of  his 
presence. 

But,  O  the  love  of  our  Lord!  Though  backslidden, 
yet  he  owns  us  as  children.  0  Father,  thy  love  ever 
lives,  though  folly  is  in  our  ways.  He  calls  in  love, 
Return.  May  love  cause  us  to  take  shame,  fall  down  in 
sorrow,  and  cry  for  mercy.   He  promises,  "  I  will  heal 

S.  Treasury-  14< 


314  JtJLY  30. 

your  backslidings  :"  I  will  freely  and  fully  pardon  thetti, 
though  ever  so  numerous,  heinous,  or  aggravating,  as 
though  they  had  never  been  committed.  Backsliding 
sinner  !  believe  and  rejoice  :  see  the  effects  of  this  love 
in  the  next  meditation :  O  Lord  my  God,  lighten  mine 
eyes,  lest  I  sleep  the  sleep  of  death.  Psalm  13:3. 


July  30. — Behold,  we  come  unto  thee^  for  thou  art  the  Lord 
our  God.    Jer.  3  :  22. 

Peter  was  an  awful  backslider ;  his  crimes  deserved 
hell  J  so  do  yours  and  mine  :  both  he  and  we  should  be 
sent  there,  if  love  did  not  reign  in  heaven,  and  grace 
abound  to  sinners  on  earth.  One  look  of  love  from 
Christ  broke  Peter's  heart,  made  him  weep  bitterly, 
and  earnestly  return  to  a  crucified  Saviour.  A  bone 
broken  and  set  is  said  to  be  stronger  than  it  was  before  : 
and  surely  a  heart  broken  by  forgiving  love  grows 
stronger  in  love.  Having  much  forgiven,  w^e  love 
much ;  I  have  often  thought  fresh  love  added  speed  to 
Peter's  feet,  when  he  ran  to  the  sepulchre  to  see  his 
dear,  his  crucified  Lord.    John,  20  :  4. 

See  in  the  subject  of  our  present  meditation  the  happy 
effects  of  gracious  words  from  a  loving  Lord.  We  saw 
the  backsliding  children  arraigned,  and  their  conduct 
condemned  in  our  last  meditation  I  What  was  the  sen- 
tence passed  on  them  1  Was  it,  '^  Go,  ye  wretches;  ye 
have  gone  from  me  in  your  ways,  now  I  w^ill  be  glorified 
in  your  damnation  V  No ;  break,  hard  heart ;  melt,  O 
frozen  soul ;  bow,  stubborn  knee,  and  be  as  the  sinews 
of  a  new-born  babe  ',  for  love  everlasting,  immutable 
love  lives;  sovereign  unmerited  grace  proclaims,  Reiurn^ 
ye  backslidi?ig  children,  (children  still !  0  matchless 
grace  \)  and  I  will  heal  your  backslidings. 

What  say  gracious  hearts  to  this  1  Do  they  reply, 
"  O  this  is  fine  doctrine  !  Come,  let  us  continue  to  go  on 


JULY  31.  315 

to  enjoy  the  world  and  sin,  and  delight  ourselves  in  our 
happy  distance  from  God 'I  "  O  no  :  this  is  the  language 
of  reigning  sin  and  pride.  If  left  to  themselves,  so  would 
men  act ;  but  a  spark  of  free  grace  within  us  catches 
fire  from  gracious  words  without,  and  therefore  it  is, 
"Be/iold^^^  see  the  effects  of  the  Lord's  rich  grace  and 
precious  love  5  like  fire  it  melts  down  our  hard  hearts, 
makes  us  lament  our  base  conduct ;  affects  us  with 
the  deepest  sense  of  sin  ;  inspires  our  souls  with  a  hope  of 
mercy  and  assurance  of  pardon,  and  ^*we  come  unto  Ihee.^^ 
Here  we  see  the  actings  of  a  holy  faith  in  the  heart  ; 
it  works  by  love  ',  by  the  declarations  of  a  gracious 
P'ather  and  Redeemer  it  works  love  in  the  heart,  and 
it  works  by  love  in  returning  to  God  ;  and  here  is  the 
joyful  claim  of  faith  ;  '^  for,"  O  precious  cause  !  "  for 
thou  art  the  Lord  our  God," — were  it  not  so,  thou 
couldst  never  have  borne  with  our  vile  conduct  :  never 
had  a  thought  of  mercy,  or  deigned  a  look  of  love  to- 
wards us.  O  let  covenant  love  and  faithfulness  ever 
bind  our  hearts  to  thee,  that  we  may  nev^er  more  de- 
part from  thee,  pervert  our  way  before  thee,  or  ever 
forget  thee,  O  Jehovah,  Father,  Son  and  Spirit,  our 
one  God  in  Jesus. 


July  31. — Ungodly  7ne7i,  icho  turn  the  grace  of  God  into 
lasciviousness.    Jude,  4. 

From  what  the  bee  extracts  honey,  venomous  insects 
will  gather  poison.  The  word  of  God,  which  is  food  to 
gracious  hearts,  is  the  sport  and  contempt  of  profane 
wits.  An  ungodly  heart  will  convert  the  most  whole- 
some truths  of  God's  grace  into  the  most  poisonous 
effects  :  there  ever  were  such  men  :  there  are  such  at 
this  day,  who  preach  some  of  the  truths  concerning  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  the  grace  of  God  abounding  to  sinners 
in  him,  and  yet  with  these  maintain  the  most  damnable 
heresies.    They  are  the  *'  fools  who  make  a  mock  at 


316  JULY  31, 

sin."  Prov.  14- :  9.  Personal  holiness  they  practically 
hold  in  derision  :  they  "  declare  their  sin  as  Sodom  j" 
"  say  unto  the  wicked  it  shall  be  well  with  him  j"  and 
they  swallow  up  every  unscriptural  error  in  that  damn- 
able heresy,  all  men  shall  be  saved  at  the  last. 

One  scarcely  knows  at  which  to  wonder  most,  why 
such  persons  should  preach  at  all,  or  why  any  who 
name  the  name  of  Christ  can  hear  them  ',  but  the  Scrip- 
tures must  be  fulfilled;  '^  There  shall  come  in  the  last 
days  scoffers,  walking  after  their  own  lusts."  2  Peter, 
3:3.  I  never  knew  of  but  one  instance  of  a  person 
who  had  joined  himself  to  these  vile  antinomians^  that 
escaped  from  their  soul-destroying  doctrines.  My  soul 
rejoiced  exceedingly  for  a  visit  from  this  aged  disciple 
of  Jesus,  who,  through  his  precious  grace,  is  brought 
back  into  the  ways  of  truth  and  holiness.  When  the 
preacher  asked  him  why  he  had  left  him  1  he  honestly 
answered,  ^'  You  had  well  nigh  sent  me  to  hell  with  a 
lie  in  my  right  hand." 

O,  brethren  !  as  you  love  the  holy  Jesus,  as  you  va- 
lue your  precious  souls,  as  you  prize  communion  with 
God,  peace  of  conscience,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost, 
beware  of  such  ungodly  men ;  keep  at  the  greatest  dis- 
tance from  them  ;  maintain  the  utmost  abhorrence  of 
their  soul-destroying  notions.  Why,  0  why  did  the 
blessed  Spirit  convince  us  of  sin,  and  lead  us  to  Christ 
for  salvation,  but  that  we  should  love  God,  delight  in 
God,  enjoy  fellowship  with  God,  have  no  more  to  do 
with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness ;  but  walk  before 
him  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness  all  the  days  of 
our  life.  Be  assured,  if  your  faith  does  not  influence 
you  to  this,  it  is  not  the  faith  of  the  holy  Gospel,  not  a 
faith  in  a  holy  Jesus  ;  it  does  not  work  by  the  love  of 
him,  but  is  the  faith  of  the  ungodly,  whose  end  is  de- 
struction.   Philippians,  3:1c?. 


AUGUST  1.  317 

August  1. — Let  God  he  true,  but  every  man  a  liar.    Rom.  3  :  4. 

I  have  read  of  one  who  was  dumb  ;  but  who,  on  see 
ing  a  violent  attempt  to  murder  his  father,  cried  out 
with  great  vehemence,  "  My  father."  Wlien  his  hea- 
venly Father's  truth  and  faithfulness  are  attacked,  Paul 
cannot  be  mute.  Fired  with  a  holy  emotion  of  spirit, 
he  cries  out,  "  Let  God  be  true."  Vain,  arrogant  man, 
will  you  dare  oppose  your  carnal  reasonings  and  falla- 
cious arguments  to  the  covenant  purposes,  faithful 
word,  and  precious  promises  of  the  Lordl  Every  such 
man,  be  he  ever  so  noble,  mighty,  wise,  and  learned,  is 
a  liar.  Paul's  heart  was  too  warm  with  zeal  for  the 
glory  of  his  God  to  pay  any  soft  compliment  to  those 
who  act  under  the  influence  of  the  father  of  lies.  The 
keen  satire  of,  Mr.  Pope  is  admirably  adapted  to  such : 

'  Snatch  from  his  hand  the  balance  and  the  rod, 
"  Rejudge  his  justice,  be  the  God  of  God  ! 
"  In  reas'ning  pride  (my  friend)  our  error  lies; 
''  All  quit  their  sphere  and  rush  into  the  skies. " 

Christian,  lay  aside  thy  carnal  reason ;  take  up  the 
Lord's  word ;  exercise  thy  faith  upon  it.  Thou  art 
called  to  be  valiant  for  the  truth  of  a  faithful,  covenant- 
keeping  God.  Timid  silence  is  criminal  when  your  Fa- 
ther's truth  is  arraigned  and  his  glory  at  stake.  Know 
thou  hast  much  within  thee,  and  many  around  thee,  in 
combination  to  oppose  the  mystery  of  godliness  :  God 
manifest  in  the  flesh  to  bring  salvation  to  miserable 
sinners,  and  God's  faithfulness  engaged  to  make  this 
effectual  by  his  sovereign  grace,  in  spite  of  all  the  un- 
faithfulness of  man.  Carnal  reason  says,  how  can  these 
things  be  1  Self-confidence  exalts  herself  against  them  ; 
Arrogance  refuses   to  submit  to  them  j  Unbelief  pro- 


318  AUGUST  2. 

nounces  them  impossible  ;  Self-love  declares  against 
subjection  to  them  ;  Pride  cries,  away  with  them,  total- 
ly reject  them  ;  and  Self-righteousness  cries  them  down 
as  leading  to  licentiousness. 

These  are  all  professed  judges  of  divinity,  but  in  re- 
ality are  lying  adversaries  against  your  Lord's  truth 
and  faithfulness,  and  your  peace,  comfort,  and  holiness. 
Abide  by  what  is  written  ,  oppose  God's  truth  to  all 
their  lying  suggestions  ;  be  simple  of  heart.  Let  sim- 
ple faith  prevail.  Feed  by  faith  upon  God's  truth,  and 
you  shall  prosper,  while  others  cavil  against  it  and 
grow  lean.  Hold  fast  "  the  hope  of  eternal  life,  which 
God,  who  cannot  lie,  promised  (to  Christ  Jesus  as  our 
covenant  head,  and  that  we  should  enjoy  it  in  him)  be- 
fore the  world  began."    Titus,  1  :  2. 


August  2.  By  faith  Moses  foisook  Egypt,  not  feanng  the  wrath 
of  the  king.    Hebrews,  11 :  27. 

Here  we  see  faith  opposed  by  fear,  and  the  victory  of 
faith  over  the  dread  of  wrath.  Consider  Moses'  work 
and  his  danger,  his  faith  and  his  safety. 

Moses  was  engaged  in  a  great  work :  he  was  to  go  to 
Pharaoh,  and  say  from  the  Lord,  "  Israel  is  my  son,  even 
my  first  born,  let  him  go  that  he  may  serve  me."  Exod. 
4  :  22,  23.  Now  might  not  the  king  very  naturally  look 
upon  Moses  as  a  dangerous,  pestilent  enthusiast,  who, 
under  the  pretence  of  religion,  wished  to  raise  a  rebellion 
in  his  kingdom  1  Had  Moses  no  fear  that  the  king  might 
put  him  to  death  in  his  wrath  %  "  for  the  wrath  of  a  king 
is  as  the  roaring  of  a  lion,"  Pro  v.  9  :  12, — most  terribly 
fierce. 

But  consider  his  faith  ;  this  set  him  above  fear.  He 
bids  defiance  to  wrath.  Forsake  Egypt  he  must ;  to  flee 
from  the  king  he  was  determined ;  for  he  had  the  com- 
mand of  his  God  for  it.    Faith  is  the  parent  of  all  holy 


AUGUST  3.  319 

obedience.  Was  his  faith  nothing  more  than  a  strong 
impulse  of  his  mind,  something  within  him  which  sug- 
gested to  him  that  he  must  forsake  Egypt  1  This  he 
might  have  had,  and  obeyed  it  too  to  his  own  destruc- 
tion ;  but  he  had  the  Lord's  word  for  the  ground  of  his 
faith  :  mind  thivS  :  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  send  thee 
unto  Pharaoh,  that  thou  mayest  bring  my  people  out  of 
Egypt :"  there  is  the  word  of  his  faith. 

Consider  his  safety.  Pharaoh  could  not  hurt  the  hair 
of  his  head  :  why  not  1  Because  the  Lord  added,  ''  cer- 
tainly I  will  be  with  thee."  Exod.  3 :  12.  There  is  the 
warrant  for  his  safety  :  thus  he  believed  God,  and  fear- 
ed not  the  wrath  of  the  king. 

See  here  the  nature  and  actings  of  a  true  and  lively 
faith.  It  has  the  word  of  the  Lord  for  its  object.  There 
may  be  strong  impressions  of  mind,  warm  suggestions 
of  fancy,  where  there  is  not.  Thus  saith  the  Lord.  Soul, 
these  will  not  carry  thee  out  of  the  Egypt  of  nature  to 
the  promised  land  5  they  will  forsake  thee  :  then  thou 
wilt  not  only  fear  the  wrath  of  a  king,  but  the  shaking 
of  a  leaf.  Faith  in  the  Lord's  word  delivers  the  soul 
from  fear  of  the  Lord's  enemies ;  according  to  the 
strength  of  our  faith  w^e  are  set  above  fears  of  wTath ; 
we  cannot  have  stronger  cause  for  faith  than  the  Lord's 
word,  nor  a  better  object  for  our  faith  than  the  Son  of 
God.  0  then,  when  fear  of  wrath  prevails,  look  unto 
Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith,  with  the  pray- 
er, '^  Lord,  increase  my  faith."    Luke,  17  :  5. 


August  3.  Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me  ;  hear,  and  your 
soul  shall  live.    Isaiah,  55 :  3. 

Some  cannot  bear  exhortations  to  duty,  whether  ad- 
dressed to  saints  or  sinners  :  they  sound  so  legal  in  their 
ears,  they  are  quite  surfeiting  to  them.  But  why  1  Tru- 
ly they  have  become  ''  wise  above  what  is  written :" 


320  AUGUST  3. 

they  proclaim  their  folly  in  condemning  the  conduct  of 
Christ,  and  his  Spirit  in  the  prophets  and  apostles.  They 
have  most  need  of  exhortations  who  see  least  cause  for 
them  :  ''  be  not  high-minded,  but  fear."  A  Chinese  phi- 
losopher asserted  that  a  man  had  three  ears,  one  differ 
ent  from  those  two  which  are  seen ;  this  was  counted  a 
great  absurdity ;  but  it  holds  true  in  a  spiritual  sense, 
for  naturally  we  have  ears,  but  hear  not :  ^^  the  hearing 
car  the  Lord  hath  made."  Prov.  20:12.  This  Christ 
calls  for. 

"  Incline  your  ear  " — like  sentenced  rebels  and  con- 
demned malefactors,  be  all  ear  to  a  sound  of  mercy  and 
a  proclamation  of  a  reprieve  from  me :  though  your 
hearts  are  bowed  down  under  a  sense  of  your  lusts  and 
corruptions,  your  consciences  burdened  with  guilt,  your 
minds  pained  with  fears,  and  your  spirits  dejected  with 
sorrows ;  yet  listen  not  to  the  suggestions  of  Satan,  the 
intimations  of  carnal  reason,  or  the  surmises  of  your 
legal  spirits ;  but  turn  away  your  ear  from  all  to  me. 
O,  it  is  precious  living,  thus  to  hear  the  voice  of  Christ ! 
But  this  call  from  Christ  carries  conviction  with  it  that 
we  do  not  enough  incline  our  ear  to  him  ;  therefore  we 
are  not  always  happy  in  him. 

Sweet  invitation!  ''  Come  unto  me."  ''  Jesus  Christ 
is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever."  Heb. 
13  : 8.  His  love  is  the  same  ;  his  words  are  the  very 
same  to  poor  sinners,  whether  he  speaks  by  his  pro- 
phets, or  by  himself  in  flesh  :  his  loving  heart  pro- 
claims, ''  come  unto  me^  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  Matt.  11  :  28.  Come, 
under  all  your  load  of  guilt,  weight  of  dejection,  and 
burden  of  sorrow ;  Christ  gives  us  to  feel  all  this,  that 
we  may  see  our  want  of  him,  come  to  him,  and  enjoy 
fellowship  with  him.  Never  misconstrue  your  soul-bur- 
dens and  spiritual  distress  as  evidences  against  you  J 
they   are  love-tokens  from  Him  who  says,  "  Hear,  and 


AUGUST  4.  321 

your  souls  shall  live  ;"  not  barely  live,  but  enjoy  the 
vigor  of  life,  the  comforts  of  life,  and  bring  forth  abun- 
dantly the  fruits  of  spiritual  life.  All  this  is  by  hearing 
the  voice  of  Christ,  believing  the  love  of  Christ,  and 
living  upon  the  fullness  of  Christ.-  See  then  ''  that  ye 
refuse  not  him  who  speaketh  from  heaven."  Heb.  12  :  25. 


August  4.— Thy  God  reigneth.    Isaiah,  52  :  7. 

Christ  commissions  his  ministers  to  proclaim  this 
joyful  truth  to  Zion,  his  church  ;  that  every  member  of 
his  may  receive  it  in  faith,  change  the  pronoun,  and 
say,  MY  God  reigneth,  Christ's  reign  is  his  people's 
glory,  their  triumph  on  earth,  and  the  song  of  disem- 
bodied saints  in  glory.  Hark,  to  their  acclamations  of 
joy  :  ''  Alleluia,  for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth  ; 
let  us  be  glad  and  rejoice,  and  give  honor  to  him,  for 
the  marriage  of  the  Lamb  is  come."    Rev.  19  :  6,  7. 

Are  we  married  to  the  Lamb  ]  Has  he  our  hearts  and 
affections  %  Then  we  should  constantly  "  rejoice  and 
give  honor  to  him,"  that  he  who  is  our  God  reigneth. 
Where  X  Where  he  dwells  in  heaven  for  us,  and  in  our 
hearts  over  us ;  for  as  he  dwells  in  our  hearts  by  faith, 
he  spiritually  reigns  over  all  within  us.  O,  what  mat- 
ter of  joy  and  consolation  is  this  ! 

If  our  King  has  set  up  his  throne  in  our  hearts,  what 
enemy  can  hurt  us  1  If  Christ  reign  for  us,  and  in  us, 
we  are  sure  of  reigning  eternally  in  glory  with  him. 
Consider  his  rich  grace  in  thus  reigning  :  we  were  once 
under  the  reign  of  a  dreadful  tyrant.  Sin  reigned  in 
and  over  us  unto  death.  Rom.  5:21.  Though  we  have 
sin  in  our  nature,  though  it  warreth  in  our  members, 
yet  it  cannot  reign  and  get  the  victory  over  us.  It  is 
under  the  feet  of  Christ :  it  is  his  vanquished  enemy  : 
he  reigns  over  it :  we  are  under  the  reign  of  his  grace  : 
*'  grace  reigns  through  righteousness  unto" — what  1  pre- 

14* 


322  AUGUST  5. 

sent  peace,  comfort  and  joy  1  Yes,  and  infinitely  more, 
even  unto  '^  eternal  life  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord."  Is  sin 
our  grief  and  burden  1  This  is  a  proof  that  Christ  reigns 
in  our  hearts.  Do  we  long  for  perfect  freedom  from  all 
sin  %  This  is  a  sign  that  we  are  partakers  of  his  holi- 
ness. Are  we  afraid  sin  will  destroy  us  in  death  1  It 
cannot :  Jesus  reigns  to  give  us  victory  unto  eternal  life. 
Behold,  Jesus  our  King  reigns  in  righteousness.  Isa. 
32  :  1.  "His  people  shall  be  all  righteous,"  Isa,  60  :  2K 
Christ's  righteousness  is  upon  us  to  justify  us :  his  Spi- 
rit within  us,  to  make  us  love  righteousness  and  hate 
iniquity:  if  we  do  not,  we  only  talk  of  Christ's  reign, 
but  have  never  felt  its  power.  "  For  he  must  reign  un- 
til he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet."  1  Corr  15  :  25. 
Therefore  rejoice  ;  all  your  troubles,  temptations,  con- 
flicts and  distresses,  are  under  Christ's  reion.  None 
can  hurt  you  ;  and  the  last  enemy,  death,  shall  bring  you 
to  reign  with  him  eternally  in  life.   Rom.  5  :  17. 


August  5. — Fo)-  thy  name^s  sake,  O  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity, 
for  it  is  great.    Psalm  25  :  11. 

Strange  plea  !  "  Great  is  mine  iniquity,  therefore  par- 
don it !"  Such  an  address  at  the  throne  of  grace  never 
rose  from  a  self-righteous  heart !  No  :  with  the  phari- 
see  of  old  they  are  ready  to  say,  ''  Thank  God,  I  am  not 
such  a  sinner  as  David  was:  I  never  committed  the 
horrid  crimes  of  which  he  was  guilty  :  his  iniquity  was 
great  indeed."  It  was  so.  But  souls  enlightened  by  the 
Spirit  of  truth  to  see  the  spirituality  of  the  holy  law  of 
God,  will  agree  to  our  Saviour's  interpretation  of  it  ; 
that  the  impure  desire  is  adultery  in  the  heart,  and 
anger  a  species  of  murder  in  the  soul.  Matt.  5 :  28 
"  Out  of  the  heart  proceed  murders  and  adulteries." 
Matt.  15  :  19. 

Sensible  of  the  desperate  wickedness  of  our  heart  j 


AUGUST  5.  323 

convinced  of  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin  j  who  will 
dare  plead,  pardon  mine  iniquity,  for  it  is  little  ?  Is  it 
against  a  little  God  sin  is  committed  1  Is  a  little  wrath 
revealed  against  sin  \  Did  a  little  Christ  die  for  us  1  Is 
a  little  hell  the  punishment  of  sin  1  Lord  forbid  that  we 
should  think  little  of  sin,  or  that  iniquity  should  appear 
little  in  our  eyes  :  the  iniquity  of  every  one  of  us  is 
great. 

"  O,"  says  a  poor,  sin-burdened  soul,  ^^  Mine  iniquity 
is  great,  too  great  to  be  forgiven."  So  the  father  of  lies 
might  suggest  to  David  ]  but  he  believed  him  not. 
Great  as  his  iniquity  was,  he  did  not  aggravate  his 
crimes  by  rejecting  God's  declarations  of  mercy,  invi- 
tations of  grace,  and  promises  of  pardon  :  he  confesses 
his  great  iniquity ;  he  pleads  pardon  for  it.  On  what 
does  he  found  his  plea  1  For  thy  name's  sake^  0  Lord  ; 
thou  hast  taken  upon  thee  that  precious  name,  Jesus  : 
thou  wilt  be  salvation  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Psalm 
98  :  3.  Thy  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin  ;  wash  me  in 
it  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow  ]  all  manner  of  sin 
and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men.  0,  while 
these  glorious  truths  stand  upon  record,  I  cannot  doubt, 
I  dare  not  despair ;  the  belief  of  them  causes  me  to 
pray,  and  plead,  and  hope  :  great  as  mine  iniquity  is, 
GREAT  as  my  distress  is,  yet  thou  art  a  great  God  and 
Saviour,  to  pardon  my  sin  and  give  peace  to  my  soul. 
Was  ever  any  sinner  sent  to  hell  with  such  a  plea  in 
his  mouth  1  No  ;  that  is  impossible ;  for  the  word  of 
God  cannot  be  broken.  "  If  we  confess  our  sins,  God 
is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins."  I  John, 
1 :  9.  Therefore  heaven  rings  with  acclamations  of 
joy  from  such  pardoned,  glorified  sinners.  0  that  we 
may  join  them,  in  giving  glory  "  unto  Him  who  loved 
us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood," 
Rev.  1 :  5. 


324  AUGUST  6. 

August  6. — Go  and  cry  unto  the  gods  which  ye   have  chosen ; 

let  them  deliver  you  in  the  time  of  your  tribulation.  Judges* 

10 :  14. 

A  severe  sarcasm  from  the  Lord  to  apostate  profess- 
ors. It  causes  a  hell  upon  earth  to  a  renewed  soul,  to 
hear  and  feel  just  upbraidings  from  the  Lord  of  heaven  : 
this  is  one  of  his  severest  chastisings  to  his  children. 
Here  is  an  awful  charge  and  a  severe  reproof;  the  Lord 
keep  us  clear  of  the  one,  that  we  fall  not  under  the  other. 

Consider  the  charge  ;  it  is  idolatry  :  they  had  gods  of 
their  own  choosing.  For  the  Lord's  sake,  and  for  our 
souls'  sake,  let  us  not  think  that  we  are  in  no  danger  of 
falling  into  this  sin  :  it  is  committed  by  professors  every 
^^y  5  aged  Paul  wept  over  such  ;  though  they  professed 
Christ,  yet  they  were  enemies  to  his  cross  j  their  flesh 
was  their  God  \  their  hearts  were  set  updn  earthly  things. 
Phil.  3:19.  Such  are  not  content  with  Christ  as  their 
portion,  to  live  in  fellowship  with  him,  to  walk  in  love 
and  obedience  before  him,  and  to  derive  all  their  com- 
fort and  happiness  from  him :  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  they 
gratify;  earthly  things  have  their  hearts:  thus  they  de- 
part from  the  Lord  and  fall  into  idolatry  against  him. 
O  what  a  most  heinous  crime  is  this !  How  much  prac- 
tised !  How  little  thought  of,  deplored  and  deprecated ! 
Christians,  where  are  your  hearts  %  Who  has  your  affec- 
tions— God,  the  flesh,  or  the  world  %  If  not  God,  depend 
on  it  you  will  soon,  very  soon  hear  from  him  in  such 
a  way  as  will  be  awfully  distressing. 

Consider  the  reproof:  a  day  of  tribulation  will  come ; 
when  sorrow  and  distress  seize  on  your  minds,  then 
God  is  a  blessed  refuge  ;  but  Oh,  then  to  think,  alas !  I 
have  forsaken  the  Lord,  have  preferred  other  lovers  to 
him  ;  chosen  other  gods  beside  him  ;  the  world  has  had 
my  heart  and  my  hope  ;  I  have  lived  to  the  flesh,  I  have 
minded  earthly  things,  and  indulged  covetous  desires. 


AUGUST  7.  325 

Well,  says  one,  but  I  read,  notwithstanding  all  this, 
"  the  children  of  Israel  cried  unto  the  Lord,  saying,  we 
have  forsaken  our  God  and  served  idols."  Judges,  10  :  10. 
Ah  !  but  mind  the  Lord's  cutting  answer,  ''  Go  and  cry 
unto  the  gods  which  ye  have  chosen ;  let  them  deliver 
you."  A  severer  reproof  is  scarcely  to  be  found  in  the 
Bible.  O  lay  it  to  heart  :  deeply  consider  its  import ;  for, 
even  though  you  may  be  accepted  in  Christ,  yet  he  hates 
your  conduct,  and  will  make  you  smart  for  it  in  your 
conscience.  It  is  said,  ^'  the  Lord's  soul  was  grieved  for 
the  misery  "  of  his  children.  Judges,  10  :  16.  But  O  con- 
sider the  great  misery  they  must  feel  to  grieve  the  soul 
of  the  Lord :  what  a  compassionate  Saviour  is  ours,  ''  in 
all  our  afflictions  he  is  afflicted."  Isaiah,  63  :  9. 


August  7. — Whatsoeve7-  ye  do  in  icord  or  deed,  do  all  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus.    Col.  3  :  17. 

I  have  sometimes  thought,  how  is  it  possible  that  a  be- 
liever in  Christ  can  ever  wilfully  and  deliberately  sin  1 
It  is  hardly  to  be  conceived  that  such  can  live  and  walk 
under  the  power  of  sin  :  all  sin  is  as  contrary  to  the  nature 
of  the  sanctified  soul  as  heaven  to  hell ;  yet  nothing  is 
more  plain  from  the  word  of  God  and  the  experience 
of  his  saints,  than  that  sin  dwells  in  them  ;  but  they  are 
solemnly  forbid  to  let  it  "  reign  in  them,  that  they  should 
obey  it  in  the  lusts  thereof."  Romans,  6  :  12.  And  if 
our  souls  are  not  striving  against  sin  and  pressing  after 
holiness,  I  know  not  where  to  find  one  text  in  the  word 
of  God  to  encourage  us  to  believe  and  hope  that  we  are 
the.  children  of  God.  I  dread  not  the  frown  of  licentious 
antinomians  ;  do  they  pronounce  this  legal  1  It  only  pro- 
claims their  unregenerate  enmity  against  God's  truth, 
his  grace  and  his  glory. 

Ye  believers  in  and  lovers  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  here  is 
a  short  but  most  blessed  and  comprehensive  rule  for 


326  AUGUST  8. 

your  walk  and  conduct.  Does  Satan  tempt,  the  world 
allure,  and  the  flesh  entice  1  Gratify  them  if  ye  can — 
only  see  that  you  do  it  according  to  this  apostolic  rule  : 
yea,  go  to  plays,  take  your  fill  of  earthly  pleasures  and 
sensual  delights,  and  mix  with  the  wicked  and  profane, 
only  see  that  you  do  all  this,  as  here  commanded,  "  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  /"  Does  your  heart  recoil  % 
It  must,  if  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  is  music  to  your 
ears  and  the  joy  of  your  soul :  you  can  no  more  take 
delight  in  these  things  than  in  the  music  of  hell. 

O  the  matchless  charms  of  that  precious  name  !  Lord, 
never,  never  suffer  them  to  fade  in  our  hearts  j  thy  name 
charms  away  the  power  of  sin,  the  love  of  the  world, 
and  the  pleasures  of  sense  :  it  charms  our  souls  into  the 
presence  of  God,  fellowship  with  him,  and  into  the  joys 
of  heaven :  right  welcome  are  we  to  God,  fully  recon- 
ciled to  him,  and  perfectly  accepted  with  him,  in  the 
precious  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  O  my  dear,  dear  Sa- 
viour, it  is  thy  precious  name  my  heart  would  now 
indite.  0  for  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer  to  display  the 
glories  of  thy  precious  name,  my  King  and  my  Lord ; 
may  the  readers  of  these  meditations  find  the  odor  of 
thy  name  in  them,  '^  as  ointment  poured  forth,  that  they 
may  love  thee."  Song,  1  ;  3.  To  us  sinners,  "  the  name 
of  Jesus  is  above  every  name."  Phil.  2  :  9. 


August  8, — My   meditation  of  him  shall  he    sweet :  I  will  be 
glad  in  the  Lord.    Psalm  104  :  34. 

Sweet  meditation  causes  gladness  in  the  Lord,  in- 
spires us  with  love  to  him,  and  inclines  us  to  ascribe 
the  glory  of  all  we  enjoy  to  him.  It  is  said  of  a  chris- 
tian conqueror,  that  after  God  had  honored  him  with 
many  victories,  as  the  effigies  of  other  emperors  were 
set  up  in  a  triumphant  manner  with  their  victories  en- 
graven upon  their  loins,  he  desired  that  his  might  be 


AUGUST  8.  327 

«et  in  a  posture  of  prayer,  kneeling,  that  he  might  ma- 
nifest to  the  world  that  he  attributed  all  his  victories 
more  to  the  power  of  prayer  than  his  sword.  This  was 
the  result  of  sweet  meditation. 

What  great  gain  do  souls  reap  by  spiritual  medita- 
tion !  Strangers  to  this  delighful  exercise  know  not 
others'  gain  nor  their  own  loss.  A  day  spent  without 
some  meditation  of  the  sinner's  Redeemer  and  Saviour, 
is  a  day  lost ;  for  Jesus  gets  no  glory  from  our  hearts  ; 
we  get  no  comfort  from  his  love.  Paul  the  aged,  ex- 
horts his  son  Timothy,  meditafe  on  thesethings.  1  Tim. 
4  :  15.  What  things  X  The  Scriptures,  which  testify  of 
Christ  and  the  peace  and  salvation  which  are  brought 
unto  poor  sinners  by  him.  O  how  sweet  is  this  !  Saints 
in  all  ages  have  one  and  the  same  delightful  object  to 
meditate  upon  :  the  soul  under  the  sweet  exercise  of 
grace  knows  no  end  of  it ;  nor  how  to  leave  off  medi- 
tating on  Him  who  hath  loved  us  poor  sinners  with  an 
everlasting  love,  and  saved  us  with  an  everlasting  sal- 
vation. 

His  person  is  wonderful,  God  and  man  in  one  Christ ; 
the  love  of  Christ  passeth  knowledge  ;  the  offices  of 
Christ,  as  King,  Priest,  and  Prophet,  Mediator,  Surety, 
Redeemer,  Saviour,  how  glorious  in  their  nature  !  How 
interesting  to  us  sinners!  The  blood  of  Christ,  how 
precious !  His  righteousness,  how  perfect  !  His  death, 
how  affecting  !  His  resurrection,  how  joyful !  The  sal- 
vation of  Christ,  how  comforting !  His  intercession, 
how  prevailing  !  His  grace  in  the  heart,  how  sin-sub- 
duing and  soul-purifying  !  His  almighty  power  in  keep- 
ing us  through  faith  unto  eternal  salvation,  how  animat- 
ing !  and  the  perfect  sight  and  full  enjoyment  of  Jesus 
in  glory,  how  transporting  !  Contemplations  on  these 
blessed  subjects  will  cause  us  to  cry  out  with  David, 
"  My  meditation  of  him  shall  be  sweet ;  I  will  be  glad 
in   the    Lord."     Now,    do  you  complain   for  want  of 


328  AUGUST  9. 

gladness  in  the  Lord  1  It  is  because  your  heart  is  car- 
ried away  after  other  things  ;  you  meditate  too  much 
on  them,  and  too  little  on  your  God,  who  saith,  "  I  will 
not  forget  thee."    Isaiah,  49  :  15. 


August  9. — My  soul  ?ncltcih  for  heaviness :  strengtheii  thou  me 
according  to  thy  word.    Psalm  119  :  28. 

While  the  wicked  are  gay  and  merry,  many  of  God's 
beloved  children  go  bowed  down,  from  day  to  day,  with 
heaviness  of  soul  ;  and  when  they  compare  themselves 
with  the  men  of  the  world  in  such  seasons,  they  are 
tempted  to  write  bitter  things  against  themselves,  and 
to  pass  a  verdict  in  favor  of  others.  Souls,  in  the  hea- 
viest season  and  most  dejected  frame  you  ever  expe- 
rienced, say,  could  you  find  it  in  your  heart  to  wish  to 
change  lots  with  them  %  What !  quit  your  faith  in  Jesus, 
and  hope  of  eternal  enjoyment  of  him  !  for  what  %  the 
momentary  gratifications  and  short-lived  pleasures  of 
time  %  ^^  Alas  !"  cries  one,  "  my  soul  is  in  such  heavi- 
ness that  I  doubt  whether  I  have  either  a  spark  of  faith 
or  a  ray  of  hope  in  Christ.  My  soul  melteth  !  it  bears  no 
image  nor  impression  of  any  grace,  or  of  the  power  of 
any  truth  ;  faith  fails  ;  hope  decays  j  my  heart  sinks ; 
I  am  burdened  with  a  sense  of  sin ;  oppressed  with 
temptations  ;  and  what  is  heaviest  of  all,  the  Lord  hides 
his  face  and  deserts  my  soul."  David  felt  all  this  j  Peter 
experienced  the  same  ;  hence  he  says,  "  for  a  season, 
if  need  be,  ye  are  in  heaviness,  through  manifold  temp- 
tations."    1  Peter,  1:6. 

Mind  those  words — there  is  support  and  relief  in 
them— /or  a  season.  Blessed  be  Jesus,  heaviness  lasts 
not  always  ;  he  will  deliver  out  of  it.  '^  If  need  be  ye 
are  in  heaviness — there  is  cause  for  it,  and  good  shall 
issue  from  it.  What  is  the  remedy  when  the  soul  is  in 
heaviness  1    Prayer  j    pleading  God's   word   of  grace, 


AUGUST  10.  329 

and  promises  of  love  for  strength  under  burdens,  and 
deliverance  from  soul-heaviness.  "  Strengthen  thou  me 
according  to  thy  word."  Says  wisdom,  "heaviness 
in  the  heart  of  man  maketh  it  stoop."  The  poor  soul 
sinks  under  its  burden  ;  "  but  a  good  word  maketh  it 
glad."  Prov.  12 :  25.  Where  shall  we  find  that  good 
word  1  In  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God  ;  here  is  a 
good  word,  enough  to  make  thy  heavy  heart  leap  for 
joy,  and  thy  burdened  soul  sing  for  gladness.  O,  medi- 
tate upon  it ;  pray  over  it ;  and  may  the  Lord*  the  Spi- 
rit give  thee  comfort  from  it.  It  is  the  work  and  office 
of  thy  blessed  Saviour  ;  in  his  own  time,  way,  and 
manner,  he  will  most  surely  fulfil  it :  '*  to  appoint  unto 
them  who  mourn  in  Zion,  to  give  unto  them  beauty  for 
ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  garments  of 
praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness,  that  the  Lord  may  be 
glorified."     Isaiah,  61:3. 


August  10. — /  have  all,  and  ahoimd :  I  am  full.    Phil.  4  :  18. 

Happy  Paul !  infinitely  richer  than  the  most  opulent 
monarch  under  heaven.  Ye  poor,  wretched,  covetous 
worldlings,  whose  gold  is  your  god,  and  who  are  labor- 
ing to  add  heap  to  heap — how  long!  till  ye  drop  into 
eternity,  and  for  ever  lose  the  idols  of  your  hearts  1  Be- 
hold here  a  man  who  has  more  than  ever  you  possessed  : 
he  has  all ;  you  only  obtain  a  part  of  what  you  aim  at : 
you  are  still  in  want  of  more.  Rich,  happy  Paul,  pos- 
sesses all.  "  And,"  says  he,  "  I  abound."  Not  in  want 
and  wish,  but  in  full  enjoyment.  "  I  am  full."  I  can  con- 
tain no  more.  He  had  "  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ  "  for  his  portion  :  his  wealth  consisted  in  his  mind 
being  contented  with  that  as  his  greatest  treasure. 

O  thou  poor  murmuring  disciple  of  Christ,  who  art 
often  fearing  and  distrusting  lest  thou  shouldst  want 
the  bread  that  perisheth    for   thyself  and  family;  and 


330  AUGUST  11. 

thou,  my  sou],  who  hast  often  been  exercised  with  this 
sore  temptation,  learn  a  lesson  from  rich  and  happy 
Paul.  Of  all  the  men  in  the  world,  would  you  expect  to 
hear  St.  Paul  say,  "  I  have  all  things  and  abound  :  I  am 
full!"  What!  he  who  has  been  in  necessities,  in  w^ant, 
in  nakedness;  who,  like  his  Master,  had  not  where  to  lay 
his  head,  and  was  treated  as  the  filth  and  off-scouring 
of  all  things  %  for  him  to  say,  ^'  I  have  all  and  abound : 
I  am  full."  O  may  the  Lord  contract  our  wants  !  They 
are  moslfof  them  more  imaginary  than  real. 

Lord,  enable  us  to  be  content  with  such  things  as  we 
have!  What  are  they'?  Come,  christian,  count  up  your 
riches ;  look  over  the  deeds  of  your  inheritance  ,•  see  to 
W'hat  vast  possessions  you  are  entitled  ',  verily,  no  less 
than  what  Paul  once  had  by  faith  and  now  enjoys  in  full 
possession,  even  Jesus,  the  God  of  his  salvation;  Christ 
is  all  in  all  :  if  he  dwells  in  your  heart  by  faith,  he  filleth 
all ;  you  have  all ;  you  abound  in  all ;  you  are  full  of  all. 
The  flesh  may  covet  more,  the  spirit  must  be  quite  satis- 
fied with  HIM ;  for  "  all  things  are  yours ;  and  ye  are 
Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's."  1  Cor.  3  :  23.  Learn 
hence  the  use  and  blessedness  of  your  faith;  it  brings 
the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  into  your  heart.  When 
flesh  and  sense  require  to  be  gratified,  here  is  the  w^ork 
of  faith,  ''Put  ye  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  make 
not  provision  for  the  flesh,  to  fulfil  the  lusts  thereof." 
Rom.  13  :  U. 


August  11. — Is  it  true?    Daniel,  3  :  14. 

A  question  this  from  a  potent  monarch  backed  with 
a  wrathful  threatening :  enough  to  have  put  Shadrach, 
Meshach,  and  Abednego  to  the  stand.  Their  answer 
must  provoke  their  God,  or  their  King.  But  did  they 
hesitate  a  moment/?  Were  they  at  all  in  suspense  *?  No  j 
they  had  faith  in  their  Lord,  and  they  boldly  replied, 


.      AUGUST  11.  331 

"  O  King,  we  are  not  careful  to  answer  thee  in  this 
matter.  Our  cause  lies  before  our  God :  we  are  not  left 
to  ourselves ;  our  present  life,  our  immortal  soul  is  in 
his  hands.  If  you  command  us  into  the  fiery  furnace, 
our  God  will  be  with  us :  we  shall  be  safe  :  he  will  de- 
liver us  :  either  our  bodies  that  we  shall  not  be  burnt ; 
er  if  they  are,  the  burning  furnace  shall  be  only  as  a 
fiery  chariot  to  convey  our  souls  to  heaven  and  glory." 
See  the  power  of  faith  :  according  as  they  believed  so 
it  was :  the  Son  of  God  was  with  them  :  the  fire  could 
not  hurt  them.  Hence  consider  : 

God  may,  and  sometimes  does  suffer  his  dearest  chil- 
dren to  be  brought  into  great  straits,  and  threatened 
with  the  greatest  dangers,  so  that  an  answer  to  a  single 
question  may  perplex  them.  Is  it  true  ?  Are  you  one 
who  follow  this  new  way'?  Do  you  pretend  to  be  justi- 
fied by  the  Son  of  God  only,  to  be  saved  by  the  grace 
of  God  entirely,  and  to  have  received  the  Spirit  of 
God  freely  %  On  an  answer  to  this,  perhaps,  depends  a 
parent's  regard  or  a  friend's  kindness  :  the  one  threat- 
ens to  disinherit,  the  other  to  withdraw  his  favors.  Do 
worldly  interest,  honor  or  advantage  depend  upon  the 
answer  of  the  tongue  and  the  conduct  of  the  life  1  Do 
poverty  and  want  seem  to  threaten,  if  we  declare  our- 
selves for  the  Lordl  Here  is  the  trial  of  faith.  But 
remember  our  Lord's  declaration  ;  ''  Whosoever  shall 
be  ashamed  of  me  and  of  my  words,  in  this  adulterous 
and  sinful  generation ;  of  him  also  shall  the  Son  of  man 
be  ashamed  when  he  com.eth  in  the  glory  of  his  Father." 
Mark,  8  :  38. 

Put  then  this  question  to  your  heart :  Is  it  true  that 
God  is  my  Father  in  Christ  my  Saviour  1  Doth  the 
Spirit  bear  witness  to  this  in  the  word,  and  to  my  heart] 
Shall  I  then  so  fear  a  worm  of  the  earth  as  to  deny  the 
truth  and  forsake  the  Lord,  who  has  promised  he  will 
never  leave  nor  forsake  me,  and  that  they  that  seek  him 


332  AUGUST  12. 

shall  not  want  any  good  thing  1  Psalm  34  :  10.  My  soul 
starts,  my  heart  recoils  at  the  thought,-  rather  say,  "  I 
will  not  fear  what  man  can  do  unto  me."  Give  up  and 
forego  all  for  Christ :  soon  we  shall  see  these  dear  chil- 
dren :  then  they  will  tell  us  they  never  were  so  happy 
in  their  lives  as  in  the  fiery  furnace  ;  God  is  most  with 
his  children  when  they  suffer  most  for  him. 


August  12. — Joseph  knew  his  Ircthren,  but  they  knew  not  him. 
Genesis,  42:8. 

How  affecting  is  the  history  of  Joseph  !  Who  can 
read  it  without  emotion  1  What  amazing  scenes  of  provi- 
dence open  to  our  view !  Spiritual  minds  may  see  many 
things  in  it  typical  of  our  beloved  Saviour.  Here  Joseph's 
brethren  are  introduced  to  him  as  governor  of  Egypt ; 
he  knew  them  ;  they  knew  not  him.  How  does  he  deal 
with  them  1  Does  he  instantly  make  himself  known  to 
theml  No:  though  he  had  the  most  tender  affections  of 
heart  to  them  and  wept  tears  of  joy  at  the  sight  of  them, 
yet  he  speaks  roughly  and  sends  them  to  prison.  Why 
this  1  To  bring  their  sin  to  their  mind,  and  to  affect 
them  with  a  deep  sense  of  guilt  for  their  cruelty  towards 
him.  See  we  not  something  typical  of  the  conduct  of 
Christ  in  all  this  1 

Christ  knew  us  before  we  knew  him  ;  he  knew  us  from 
eternity,  when  we  were  chosen  in  him  and  given  to  him. 
We  never  seek  after  him,  or  come  to  him,  unless  we 
find  a  famine  in  our  hearts  and  are  ready  to  perish  for 
want  of  the  bread  of  life.  And  when  we  come  to  him, 
does  he  instantly  make  himself  known  to  us  and  assure  us 
that  he  is  our  Saviour  \  No  ;  for  a  season  he  speaks  with 
the  authority  of  a  Governor,  causes  his  law  to  treat  us 
roughly,  threatening  us  with  the  prison  of  hell.  Why  *? 
Deeply  to  affect  our  souls  with  a  sense  of  our  sins  and 
deserts. 


AUGUST  13.  333 

Many  trying  and  afflicting  scenes  Joseph's  brethren 
passed  through  before  he  said,  /  am  your  brother.  Did 
Joseph  do  them  any  real  harm  by  all  this '{  So  Christ, 
though  he  proves  us  and  tries  us,  and  shows  us  what  is  in 
us  before  he  gives  us  full  assurance  of  his  love  and  sal- 
vation, intends  nothing  but  real  good  to  us  :  by  all  this 
he  teaches  us  humility.  Joseph's  brethren  did  not  at  first 
come  to  him  as  their  brother,  but  as  the  governor  of 
Egypt  5  so  we  come  as  perishing  sinners  to  Christ,  be- 
lieving him  to  be  a  Saviour  and  praying  him  to  save  us : 
we  have  faith  in  him  before  we  have  the  assurance  of 
his  love  to  us,  and  know  that  we  are  his  brethren.  All 
the  blessings  and  comforts  of  Joseph's. brethren  flowed 
from  his  knowledge  of  them ;  so  does  all  our  safety  and 
comfort  in  time  and  eternity  spring  from  Christ's  first 
knowing  and  loving  us  as  his  brethren.  Though  true 
faith  may  be  without  special  assurance  of  interest  in 
Christ,,  yet  Christ  assures  us,  '^  I  will  manifest  myself 
unto  you."  John,  14  :  21. 


August  13. — Awake  to  righteousness  and  sin  not.  1  Cor.  15  :  34. 
What  Paul  says  of  natural  death,  *'  some  are  fallen 
asleep,"  1  Cor.  15  :  6,  may  be  applied  in  a  spiritual  sense 
to  professors :  there  are  many  such ;  but  it  is  a  very  bad 
frame  to  live  in  and  indulge  :  such  bring  no  honor  to 
God,  credit  to  the  Gospel,  or  profit  to  their  brethren. 
One  would  think,  such  sit  all  the  year  under  that  word 
and  heartily  obey  it,  "  sleep  on  and  take  your  rest."  Can 
such  be  said  to  be  running  the  heavenly  race,  fighting  the 
good  fight  of  faith,  wrestling  with  spiritual  enemies, 
and  pressing  towards  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  %  No  :  no  more  than  man 
in  a  midnight  sleep  can  be  said  to  be  active  in  wordly 
affairs;  but  what  is  worst  of  all,  such  sleepers  dream 
that  all  is  safe  and  well  with  them. 


334.  AUGUST  13. 

Paul,  like  a  faithful  watchman,  cries  out  to  such, 
Jiwake  !  "  how  long  wilt  thou  sleep,  0  sluggard  ]  when 
wilt  thou  arise  out  of  thy  sleep  V  What  do  they  answer'! 
"  Yet  a  little  sleep,  a  little  slumber,  a  little  folding  of 
the  hands  to  sleep."  Prov.  6  :  10.  If  you  jog  them  and 
strive  to  arouse  them  to  the  exercise  of  grace  and  the 
discharge  of  duty,  some  are  ready  to  answer,  ''We  know 
the  doctrines  of  grace  ;  do  not  disturb  us  with  your  legal 
notions  about  sin  and  righteousness."  The  Lord  keep 
our  souls  from  such  a  dreadful  frame.  Take  heed,  O 
christian,  of  such  j  beware  lest  you  catch  the  infection 
from  them  and  lie  down  to  sleep  by  them. 

Whence  do  such  slumbering  frames  proceed  1  Says 
wisdom,  "  Slothfulness  casteth  into  a  deep  sleep."  Prov. 
19  :  15.  Slothfulness  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord  will  bring 
on  deep  sleep  of  soul.  Again,  sitting  under  drowsy^  le- 
thargic preachers,  who  aim  more  to  fill  the  head  with 
notions  of  light  than  to  warm  the  heart  by  the  fire  of 
love.  So,  also,  love  of  this  world,  and  eager  pursuits 
after  its  riches,  honors,  and  pleasures,  are  opiates  to  the 
soul.  O  christian,  consider  the  unintermitting  zeal  and 
activity  of  thy  Lord  for  thy  salvation  !  Wrestle  hard 
with  him  to  quicken  and  keep  thy  soul  alive  to  righte- 
ousness, that  thou  mayest  not  sin  to  dishonor  him ; 
but  live  and  walk,  love  and  obey,  so  as  to  glorify  him. 
Lord,  let  us  never  lose  a  sense  of  the  exceeding  sinful- 
ness of  sin,  and  the  dreadful  effects  of  it  upon  our 
souls.  0,  let  conscience  rather  smart  with  pain  than 
sleep  in  stupid  security. 

"  My  drowsy  powers,  why  sleep  ye  so  1 

"  Awake,  my  sluggish  soul : 
"  Nothing  has  half  thy  work  to  do, 

"  Yet  nothing  half  so  dull." 


AUGUST  14.  335 

August  14. — Believe  in  the  Lord  your  God.,  so  shall  ye  he  esta- 
blished.  Believe  his  prophets,  so  shall  ye  prosper.    2  Chron. 
-  20  :  20. 

Such  was  the  advice  of  good  Jehoshaphat  in  a  time 
of  invasion  by  a  powerful  army.  Precious  words  j  at 
all  times  seasonable.  What  can  a  child  of  God  desire 
on  this  side  heaven  so  much  as  establishment  of  mind 
and  prosperity  of  soul  1  Both  are  obtained  by  faith  ;  as 
the  mind  is  established,  so  the  soul  prospers. 

What  is  implied  in  being  established  1  It  is  to  be 
fixed  and  settled  in  the  confidence  of  one's  mind,  and 
not  to  halt  between  two  opinions,  as  those  of  old  did 
between  God  and  an  idol.  1  Kings,  18  :  21.  Their  minds 
were  in  suspense,  agitated  between  two  objects,  and 
not  steadily  fixed  upon  either.  So  many  sincere  souls 
are  tossed  to  and  fro  by  every  wind  of  doctrine  ;  they 
are  like  children,  not  steadily  fixed  in  their  judgment, 
nor  settled  in  their  confidence  in  the  Lord  ;  yet  they 
delight  to  hear  the  truths  of  God  :  in  hearing,  their 
souls  are  refreshed  ;  but  when  hearing  is  over,  their 
minds  are  shaken,  their  doubts  and  fears  again  return. 
O  see  and  rejoice,  for 

The  Lord  himself  is  set  forth  as  the  object  of  our 
faith  ;  believe,  or  trust  in  the  Lord  your  God  5  nothing 
can  establish  the  soul  but  faith.  "  Lord,  increase  our 
faith :"  and  to  prayer  we  should  add  earnest  diligence 
in  searching  the  Scriptures,  considering  the  safeness, 
fulness,  and  suitableness  of  the  promises  of  the  Lord  to 
us.  To  believe  in  the  Lord,  is  to  trust  in  and  repose 
our  minds  upon  his  covenant-grace  and  love  in  Christ 
Jesus :  to  take  him,  as  he  has  revealed  himself,  as  our 
God  and  Father  :  to  trust  our  souls  and  all  our  con- 
cerns in  his  hands,  just  as  little  children  do  by  their 
parents.  Their  minds  have  no  doubt  of  their  father's 
love  to  them ;  when  they  want  any  thing,  they  ask  for 


336  AUGUST  15. 

it ;  when  in  sorrow  they  tell  him  of  it  ,  and  yet,  what 
parent  on  earth  has  such  a  heart  of  love  to  his  chil- 
dren as  our  heavenly  Father  has  to  us  1  Did  any  one 
ever  so  freely,  fully,  and  affectionately  manifest  it  1 

Be  ashamed  of  your  unbelief,  which  keeps  your  souls 
from  being  established  in  his  grace  and  truth  :  "  it  is  a 
good  thing  that  the  heart  be  established  with  grace." 
Heb.  13  :  9.  Do  we  desire  it,  that  our  souls  may  pros- 
per 1  Then  "believe  his  prophets;"  they  testify  of  God 
the  Father's  love  ;  of  God  the  Son's  salvation  ;  and  of 
peace  and  joy  in  God  the  Holy  Ghost.  Hear  them,  and 
your  souls  shall  be  established  in  grace  :  believe  them, 
and  your  soul  shall  prosper. 


August  15 — Strong  meat  helongeth  to  them  that  are  of  full 
age,  even  those  who,  hy  reason  of  use,  have  their  senses  exer- 
cised to  discern  both  good  and  evil.     Heb.  5  :  14. 

It  is  hard  for  any,  who  are  called  to  minister  or  write 
about  the  truths  of  God,  to  please  every  one.  Babes, 
who  are  unskilful  in  the  word  of  righteousness,  can 
only  take  milk:  they  cry  out  against  strong  meat,  it 
offends  them. 

But  such  should  consider  that  they  are  not  always  to 
continue  babes  to  feed  upon  milk  ;  they  must  learn  to 
eat  strong  meat,  that  they  may  grow  thereby. 

God's  children  are  not  all  of  equal  age  :  strong  meat 
is  as  necessary  for  adult  men  as  milk  is  for  babes.  It  is 
necessary  to  those  '^  of  full  age,"  or  perfect,  as  in  the 
margin — not  so  compared  with  the  perfect  law  of  God  : 
there  is  no  one  upon  earth  perfect  in  this  sense,  though 
many,  through  ignorance  of  the  law  and  themselves,  pre- 
tend to  it ;  but  perfect  in  comparison  of  babes,  respect- 
ing the  knowledge  of  the  everlasting,  immutable  love 
of  God  in  Christ  to  sinners ;  of  his  freely  and  fully  justi- 
fying and  eternally  glorifying  them,  through  the  blood 


AUGUST  16.  337 

and    righteousness   of  his  Son  ;  and  of  his  effectually 
calling  and  sanctifying  them  by  his  Spirit. 

The  deep  truths  of  God  are  held  forth  in  Scripture 
as  strong  meat  to  nourish,  comfort,  and  build  up  those 
who  are  of  full  age  :  hence  it  becomes  those  who  labor 
in  the  word  to  give  each  their  portion  j  that  neither , 
babes  on  the  one  hand,  nor  men  on  the  other,  should 
have  reason  to  find  fault.  Babes  should  not  expect  the 
strong  to  come  back  to  their  food,  but  they  should  press 
forward  to  maturity. 

How  is  this  to  be  attained!  ^'By  reason  of  use;" 
constantly  searching  the  Scriptures,  and  hearing  them 
opened  and  explained,  just  as  a  learner  uses  his  grammar 
which  contains  the  rudiments  of  the  language  he  wants 
to  attain ;  he  cannot  get  forward  without  it ;  he  must 
be  perfect  in  it ;  he  is  never  to  forget  its  rules.  "  By 
the  exercise  of  the  senses  :"  the  internal  ones  of  the 
understanding  and  judgment:  ^^ Seeing  Jesus."  Heb. 
2:9.  "  Hearing  his  voice."  John,  10  :  3.  Smelling  the 
sweet  odor  of  his  love  :  '^  his  name  is  as  ointment  pour- 
ed forth."  Song,  1:3.  ''  Tasting  that  the  Lord  is  gra- 
cious." 1  Pet.  2:3.  ''  Handling  the  word  of  life  and 
salvation  as  held  forth  in  the  Gospel."  1  John,  1 :  1. 
Thus  exercising  our  senses  on  Christ,  we  grow  strong 
to  trust  him :  we  discern  that  all  good  is  in  him,  and  all 
is  evil  without  him 


August    16. — They  shall  take   to  them  every  man  a  lamb. 
Exod.  12:3. 

This  was  God's  appointed  means  of  salvation  in  a 
night  of  sore  destruction.  Here  is  a  display  of  the 
sovereignty  of  God  and  the  obedience  of  faith.  Lord, 
enable  us  to  bow  to  the  one,  and  to  learn  more  and 
more  of  the  other. 

Consider  the  sovereignty  of  God  in  his  severity  upon 

3-  Treasury.  i  k 


338  AUGUST  16. 

his  enemies,  and  liis  goodness  to  his  people  :  in  destroy- 
ing all  the  first-born  of  the  former,  and  in  preserving- 
everyone  of  the  latter  :  and  this  was  in  a  way  appointed 
by  his  sovereign  mercy.  There  is  no  mercy  from  God 
to  any  sinner  but  in  the  way  he  appoints.  This  was  a 
LAMB :  "  They  shall  take  to  them  every  man  a  lambJ*^ 
His  flesh  was  to  be  their  food,  his  blood  their  salvation. 
Would  not  taking  the  flesh  and  blood  of  any  other 
creature  have  answered  the  same  end  1  No  :  to  attempt 
it  would  have  been  a  direct  act  of  unbelief  of  God's 
word  and  disobedience  to  his  will  j  such  a  soul  would 
have  brought  upon  himself  swift  destruction.  O  beware 
lest  you  turn  your  eyes  from  the  Lamb  of  God:  there 
is  salvation  in  no  other. 

See,  also,  the  obedience  of  faith ;  we  do  not  find  one 
Israelite  destroyed ;  they  believed  God's  word,  and 
obeyed  it :  they  did  not  dare  to  reply  against  God  and 
say,  WAcd  doe&i  thou  1  Why  wilt  thou  1  Is  it  just  to  de- 
stroy so  many  souls  in  one  night  1  Why  take  the  Iamb 
and  sprinkle  his  blood  as  our  protection  1  Why  institute 
this  sign  to  us  only,  and  not  to  the  Egyptians  also  1  Why 
not  give  them  at  least  a  chance  of  salvation'?  O  the 
power  of  faith!  It  kills  such  arrogant  speeches.  The 
grace  of  faith  in  the  heart  subdues  the  enmity  of  the 
carnal  mind,  bows  the  rebellious  will,  stills  the  turbu- 
lency  of  nature,  brings  peace  to  the  conscience  and  love 
to  the  heart ;  for  it  takes  and  feeds  upon  the  flesh,  and 
trusts  alone  in  the  blood  of  "  Me  Lamb  of  God  who 
taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world :"  this  is  God's  ap- 
pointed way  of  salvation.  0  how  simple,  how  happy  is 
the  believing  soul !  God  and  he  are  perfectly  agreed. 
God  says,  "  take  the  Lamb,  my  beloved  Son,  as  my  free 
gift  for  your  whole  salvation."  The  Lamb  says,  *'  my 
flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed." 
John,  6 :  55.  And  the  obedient  sinner  says,  "  Lord,  I 
believe,  help  thou  my  unbelief." 


AUGUST  17.  339 

Dost  thou  believe  1  Hast  thou  experienced  this  1  O 
bless  the  loving  Spirit  for  the  gift  of  precious  faith  ! 
Faith  is  the  gift  of  God  ;  feed  by  faith  on  the  Lamb  of 
God  :  thus  take,  thus  receive,  thus  live  upon  Christ  and 
his  fulness  every  day  on  earth  till  you  see  his  face  in 
glory.  Yet  a  little  while  and  he  shall  come.  Heb.  10 :  37. 

"  There  is  salvation  in  the  Lamb 

"  For  sinners  vile  as  nie ; 
*'  I  glory  in  his  precious  name, 

"  And  long  his  face  to  see. 

"  Christ  is  my  food,  ray  robe,  my  joy, 

"  I  take  him  thus  by  faith ; 
"  No  foes  can  e'er  my  soul  destroy, 

"Christ  is  my  life,  my  health." 


August  17. — If  any  man  suffer  as  a  christian,  let  him  not  he 
ashamed  ;  hut  let  him  glorify  God  on  this  hehalf.  I  Pet.  4:16. 
"  The  disciples  were  first  called  Christians  at  An- 
tioch."  Acts,  11 :  26.  It  is  a  blessed  name  ;  we  ought 
ever  to  glory  in  it,  and  never  to  be  ashamed  of  it ;  but 
the  bare  name  will  no  more  avail  us  in  life,  death,  and 
judgment,  than  to  be  called  rich  while  we  are  in  pinch- 
ing want. 

Christ  signifies  anointed:  he  was  anointed  to  be  our 
Saviour.  Acts,  10  :  38.  All  who  are  saved  by  him  and 
come  to  him  are  his  anointed  ones.  So  St.  John  speaks 
of  all  Christ's  living  members,  "  ye  have  an  unction  from 
the  Holy  One."  1  John,  2 :  20.  To  anoint  is  to  conse- 
crate and  set  apart  for  holy  and  spiritual  purposes. 
Christians  are  consecrated  and  set  apart  from  the  rest 
of  the  world,  to  be  a  people  peculiarly  devoted  to  the 
glory  of  Jesus  ;  they  are  the  jewels  which  compose  his 
mediatorial  crown.  Are  you  thus  highly  honored  by  the 
Lord  of  life  and  glory  1  Is  your  soul  anointed  by  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  1  Then  verily  the  world  will  also  anoint 
you  with  their  spirit ;  the  more  the  unction  of  the  Holy 


340  AUGUST  18. 

One  is  manifest  in  your  walk  and  conversation,  so  much 
the  more  will  the  wicked  one  and  his  children  be  in- 
clined to  reproach  and  defame  you  :  thus  you  may  suf- 
fer  as  a  christian,  at  least  in  your  good  name. 

But  take  heed  that  you  suffer  as  a  christian  j  that  it 
be  for  confessing  Christ  and  adorning  his  Gospel.  As 
you  love  Christ,  and  have  a  tender  concern  for  his  glory, 
O  let  him  not  be  wounded  and  his  cause  dishonored  by 
any  thing  unholy,  unjust,  or  immoral.  Eemember,  the 
men  of  the  world  are  vulture-eyed  to  your  faults,  glad 
to  espy  and  eager  to  proclaim  them  with  an  air  of  tri- 
umph, "  See,  these  are  your  christians."  But  if  you 
really  do  suffer  as  a  christian  who  have  given  up  your- 
self to  be  a  disciple  of  Christ,  are  following  him  in  the 
regeneration,  and  therefore  are  opposed  by  the  ungodly, 
be  not  ashamed  ;  be  not  confounded  j  do  not  hang  your 
head  with  fear,  but  look  up  to  God  with  joy  5  glorify 
him  for  thus  honoring  you  ;  remember  on  whose  behalf 
you  suffer  ;  put  all  your  sufferings  for  Christ  to  his  ac- 
count :  you  have  Christ's  note  of  hand ;  he  will  surely 
pay  it :  but  if  you  are  ashamed,  it  is  a  sign  you  cannot 
credit  him.  What !  is  the  credit  of  Jesus,  the  God  of 
truth,  bad  in  your  eyes  1  Be  ashamed  for  want  of  faith 
to  trust  him :  meditate  often  on  that  day,  when  Christ 
shall  come  in  the  glory  of  his  Father  to  confess  them 
who  now  confess  him.  Luke,  12  :  8. 


August  18. — With  his  stripes  we  are  healed.     Isa.  53  :  5. 

A  distinguished  individual  once  said  to  me,  '^  I  can 
never  conceive  how  one  man  can  be  made  righteous  by 
the  righteousness  of  another."  Thus  his  carnal  reason 
led  him  to  object  against  Christ's  righteousness  being 
imputed  to  us.  I  replied.  Why  then  do  you  profess  to 
believe  that  your  sins  can  be  washed  away  by  the  blood 
of  another  1     He   was  silent.    ''Without    controversy, 


AUGUST  18.  341 

great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness  :"  too  great  a  mystery 
for  human  reason  to  comprehend,  but  not  too  great  for 
divine  faith  to  receive,  to  the  joy  of  the  soul.  Sin  is  a 
malignant  and  mortal  disease  :  the  soul  must  die  eter- 
nally of  it  unless  healed  :  this  healing  of  the  soul  is 
the  pardoning  of  sin  ;  this  is  obtained  by  the  stripes  of 
Christ. 

You  feel  the  evil  of  sin  :  you  mourn  over  the  guilt  of 
sin  :  you  groan  under  the  burden  of  indwelling  sin  from 
day  to  day.  The  Spirit  of  truth,  the  Comforter,  here 
holds  forth  a  blessed  remedy,  to  vi^hich  you  may  look  for 
pardon  of  sin,  peace  of  conscience,  and  healing  of  soul : 
the  stripes  of  Jesus :  just  as  though  the  Lord  proclaimed 
to  a  world  of  diseased  sinners,  "  This  is  your  only  re- 
medy :  so  sure  as  you  are  sinners,  and  feel  sin  in  your 
nature,  so  truly  did  the  Son  of  God  take  upon  him  the 
SAME  nature,  had  all  your  sins  laid  upon  him,  and  in  that 
nature  was  cursed  by  the  law  as  a  malefactor,  wounded, 
bruised,  and  put  to  death  by  divine  justice  :  that  hereby 
your  sins,  all  your  sins,  may  be  pardoned,  and  your 
souls  as  perfectly  healed  of  the  disease  of  sin  as  though 
it  had  never  infected  you.  Look  to  any  thing  but  the 
stripes  of  Christ,  and  you  will  be  miserable  :  look  to 
these  only  and  alone,  and  you  shall  find  health,  joy  and 
salvation." 

Sin-burdened  soul,  what  sayest  thou  to  this  1  "  Lord, 
increase  my  faith."  This  is  a  precious  prayer  :  that  dear 
Lord  who  suffered  stripes  that  thou  mightest  be  healed 
of  thy  sins  ;  that  dear  Spirit  who  convinced  thee  of  sin, 
and  made  thee  sick  of  sin,  will  surely  answer  the  prayer 
of  faith,  and  give  thee  the  joy  of  faith,  and  thou  shalt 
say,  "  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his 
benefits;  who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities,  and  healeth 
all  thy  diseases."  Psalm  103  :  2,  3.  O  what  a  marvellous 
^ay  is  this  of  healing  our  souls !  It  is  God's  way.  Un- 
convinced sinners  care  not   about  it  ;  proud,  self-righ- 


342  AUGUST  19. 

teous  souls  reject  it ;  licentious  spirits  abuse  it  j  belier- 
ing,  humble  hearts  rejoice  in  it,  give  Christ  the  glory  of 
it,  and  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord,  to  all  pleasing.  Col.  1 :  10. 


August  19. — Wherefore  take  unto  you  the  whole  armor  of  God  ^ 

that  ye  may  he  able  to  withstand  in  the  evil  day^  and  having 

done  all,  to  stand.     Ephesians,  6  :  13. 

Paul  was  an  experienced  veteran  in  the  camp  of  Christ ; 
he  had  fought  many  battles  under  the  Captain  of  his 
salvation,  against  his  combined  enemies,  the  world,  the 
flesh,  and  the  devil  j  he  warns  his  fellow-soldiers  of 
their  foes  and  dangers,  by  exhorting  them  to  take  and 
put  on  nothing  less  than  "  the  whole  armor  of  God." 
The  very  same  armor  in  which  he  himself  fought  is 
provided  for  us  also.  Blessed  be  God,  that  as  sure  as 
Paul  fought  his  way  through,  and  got  safe  to  glory,  so 
shall  we  also  in  this  armor  of  God.  O  christian,  con- 
sider, this  is  not  an  armor  of  flesh  and  blood,  not  what 
is  natural  to  man,  or  is  in  the  power  of  man  to  provide 
for  himself;  but  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  the 
armies  of  the  whole  earth,  hath  provided  it  for  all 
Christ's  good  soldiers. 

What  is  this  armor  of  God  %  It  is  the  Son  of  his 
love,  the  Lord  Jesus  himself ;  he  is  the  christian's  whole 
and  complete  armor :  in  Christ  alone  he  stands  his 
ground,  fights  and  conquers  every  enemy :  without 
Christ  we  can  do  nothing  but  faint  and  fly.  Take  this 
whole  armor:  put  it  on,  saith  Paul:  Christ  is  yours; 
he  is  the  gift  of  God  to  you ;  ^^ put  on  the  Lord 
Jesus^  Rom.  13  :  14.  Just  as  one  puts  on  armor  for 
defence,  so  take,  put  on,  arm  your  minds  with  the  whole 
person  of  Christ,  his  love,  righteousness,  and  atonement, 
all  his  offices,  yea,  the  whole  salvation  of  Christ :  this, 
and  nothing  but  this,  what  Christ  is  to  us  and  hath  done 
for  us,  is  proof  against  every  enemy  in  the  evil  day  of 
battle.   That  ye  may  be  able  to  stand:  O  soldier,  Christ  is 


AUGUST  20.  343 

your  strength  ;  your  standing  is  by  his  power;    against 
all  the  wiles  of  the  devil. 

Is  Satan  very  cunning  and  very  powerful,  full  offeree 
and  fraud  1  Is  he  too  much  for  you  to  resist  and  con- 
quer 1  Remember,  Christ  is  your  whole  armor.  Wisdom 
lies  in  the  head  j  Christ  is  your  head  \  he  is  to  you  made 
wisdom.  Courage  comes  from  the  heart ;  Christ  dwells 
there  by  faith.  Eph.  3  :  17.  Thus  armed,  you  are  proof 
against  Satan's  devices  ;  you  never  can  fall  while  fight- 
ing in  his  armor,  for  you  shall  be  strengthened,  by  the 
Spirit's  "  might,  in  the  inner  man."  Satan  must  fir.st 
wound  Christ  before  he  can  reach  you  ;  first  conquer 
Christ  before  he  can  conquer  you.  O  then,  christian, 
look  at  your  armor,  not  at  your  weak,  defenceless  self: 
be  strong  :  be  of  good  courage  :  shout  your  victory, 
"  more  than  conquerors,  through  Christ,  who  loved  us." 
Romans,  8  :  37. 


August  20. — Stand  therefore,  having  your  loins  giri  about  unfk 
truth,  and  having  on  the  hreast-piate  of  righteousness. 
Ephesians,  6:  14. 

Soldiers  of  Christ,  hear  and  obey  the  word  of  com- 
mand— STAMD.  Against  every  enemy  stand  to  your  arms  ; 
against  all  opposition  from  within  and  without  maintain 
your  ground ;  face  all,  fight  all,  conquer  all.  Does  sin 
attack,  Satan  assault,  the  world  threaten  1  Do  corrup- 
tions rage,  temptations  beset,  and  carnal  nature  rebel  1 
Are  thine  enemies  many  and  potent  1  Is  their  fury  great  1 
Is  the  battle  strong  1  Stand  therefore.  Whyl  Because 
you  have  put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God.  Jesus  is  with 
you,  upon  you,  over  you,  and  engaged  for  you  j  there- 
fore, "  stand  fast  in  the  Lord,"  "  and  in  the  power  of  his 
might." 

Having  your  loiiis  girt.  Long  standing  makes  the 
loins  faint  and  weak.  Here  is  thy  Lord's  command  ; 
gird  up  the  loins  of  thy  mind ;  make  thy  loins   strong  ; 


344.  AUGUST  21. 

"  fortify  thy  power  mightily."  Nahum,  2  :  1.  How  1 
Here  is  a  girdle  for  thee  :  "  girt  about  with  truth,'*'*  What 
is  truth  1  Christ  answers,  "  I  am  the  truth."  John,  14  : 6. 
Christ,  and  the  truth  as  it  is  in  him,  is  like  a  girdle  to  the 
loins,  to  brace  up  and  strengthen  the  mind.  Hast  thou 
not  often  found  it  so,  O  soldier  of  Christ  1  When  weary 
and  faint  in  thy  mind  under  long  and  sharp  conflicts 
with  the  enemy,  has  not  thy  soul  been  revived  and  thy 
mind  animated  with  fresh  strength  and  vigor,  by  again 
girding  thy  loins  with  the  love,  the  grace,  the  truth,  and 
the  salvation  of  Jesus  1  This  was  David's  experience ; 
"  Thou  hast  girded  me  with  gladness."  Psalm  30  :  11. 
"  Thou  hast  girded  me  with  strength  to  battle."  2  Sam. 
22:40.  O  think  not  of  standing  without  the  girdle  of 
truth:  let  Christ  and  his  truth  be  the  strength  of  thy 
loins  and  the  glory  of  thy  soul. 

Having  on  the  breast-plate  of  righteousness  ;  not  our 
own,  that  is  defective  ;  as  well  have  on  a  spider's  web ; 
it  will  not  defend  the  heart ;  the  enemy  will  wound  the 
breast  through  it ;  no  other  righteousness  than  that  in 
which  we  stand  perfectly  justified  in  the  sight  of  God 
can  effectually  defend  our  breast  against  the  enemy  : 
this  is  the  one  perfect,  everlasting  righteousness  of  him 
who  is  "the  Lord  our  righteousness."  Jer.  23:6. 
Christ,  by  his  obedience  unto  death,  wrought  it  out. 
The  Spirit  convinces  us  of  our  want  of  it ;  God  the 
Father  accepts  it ;  the  sinner  receives  it  by  faith,  glories 
of  it,  and  rejoices  in  it ;  no  enemy  can  stand  against  it ; 
it  is  a  guard  against  Satan,  repels  his  accusations,  and 
is  a  security  against  all  condemnation. 


August  21. — And  your  feet  shod  with  the  preparation  of  tlte 
Gospel  of  peace.  Ephesians,  6:15. 

Soldiers  of  Christ,  you  are  'not  only  commanded  to 
stand  against  every  enemy,  but  to  march  on:  to  follow 


AUGUST  21.  345 

the  Captain  of  your  salvation  in  the  way  to  eternal  glory. 
Here  you  must  expect  the  enemy  will  strive  to  retard 
your  march ;  he  will  strew  the  road  with  difficulties  and 
entanglements,  with  briers  and  thorns ;  make  it  rugged 
and  almost  impassable,  as  though  every  step  was  upon 
sharp  stones  and  goading  spikes. 

Your  feet  must  be  shod^  or  you  will  halt  when  you 
should  march,  turn  back  when  you  should  go  forward. 
**  No  one  can  make  a  shoe  to  the  creature's  foot,  so  that 
he  shall  go  on  easy  in  a  hard  way,  but  Christ ;  he  can 
do  it  to  the  soldier's  full  content.  How  does  he  do  it'? 
Truly  no  other  way  than  underlaying  it :  or  if  you  will, 
lining  it  with  the  peace  of  the  Gospel.  What  though  the 
way  be  set  with  sharp  stones  X  If  this  shoe  go  between  the 
Christian's  foot  and  them,  they  cannot  be  much  felt." — 
GurnaVs  Christian  Armor. 

Shod  with  the  preparation :  Dr.  Gill  observes,  this 
word  signifies  a  base  or  foundation.  Says  Paul,  "  Other 
foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid,  which  is 
Jesus  Christ."  1  Cor.  3:11.  Christ  was  laid  as  the  only 
foundation  of  a  sinner's  peace,  in  the  everlasting  council 
and  covenant  by  Jehovah  in  Trinity :  peace  is  preached 
by  him  in  the  Gospel  of  peace.  When  the  heart  has  a 
solid,scriptural,  experimental  knowledge  of  this  by  faith, 
it  cries  out  with  joy,  "  Christ  is  our  peace."  Eph.  2  :  14. 
"  We  have  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  Rom.  5: 1.  This  peace  in  the  heart  becomes  as 
it  were  shoes  to  the  feet,  to  enable  the  christian  soldier 
to  trample  upon  every  difficulty  and  danger,  and  to  run 
the  way  of  God's  commands  with  love  and  delight ;  for, 
saith  the  Lord,  "  Thy  shoes  shall  be  iron  and  brass," 
proof  against  every  obstacle,  and  preservation  from 
every  hinderance  in  the  way  :  "  and  as  thy  days,  so  shall 
thy  strength  be."  Deut.  33:25.  Thy  days  are  all  in 
Christ ;  thy  strength  to  walk  on  is  from  him  ;  thy  Captain, 
0  soldier,  sees  thy  every  conflict,  eyes  thee  in  every 
15* 


346  AUGUST  22. 

difficulty  and  danger;  according  to  his  rich  love  and  mar- 
vellous grace  has  given  thee  exceeding  great  and  pre- 
cious promises,  that  by  these  you  might  be  partaker  of 
the  divine  nature.  2  Pet.  1  :  4.    Therefore, 

March  on,  nor  fear  to  win  the  day, 
Though  death  and  hell  obstruct  the  way. 

"  As  ye  have  therefore  receiv^ed  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord, 
80  walk  ye  in  him,  rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  estab- 
lished in  the  faith,  as  ye  have  been  taught,  abounding 
therein  with  thanksgiving."    Col.  2 :  6,  7. 


August  22. — Above  all  things,  the  shield  of  faith.  Eph.  6  :  16. 

"When  Christ  has  the  heart,  it  will  say.  If  I  can  see 
nothing  of  Christ  in  the  text,  that  text  is  nothing  to 
me.  Here  is  a  shield  of  defence.  What  is  it  1  a  mere  as- 
sent of  the  mind]  a  cold  consent  of  the  tongue  to  some 
certain  propositions!  Is  this  the  shield  of  faith  which  will 
cover  my  head  and  defend  my  heart  in  the  day  of  battle  % 
Is  it  believing  a  system  of  doctrines,  without  having  the 
heart  warmed  with  love,  or  the  life  influenced  by  the 
power  of  them,  that  the  apostle  exhorts  me  above  all  to 
take  1  0  no :  nothing  less  is  this  shield  of  faith  than 
Christ,  precious  Christ ;  never,  never  have  any  idea  of 
faith  without  including  its  author  and  object ;  otherwise 
it  is  a  mere  non-entity  j  a  notion  which  has  no  real  exist- 
ence but  in  fancy. 

When  one  hears  people  insist  that  faith  is  our  righ- 
teousness, he  is  led  to  think  they  take  up  and  are  in  love 
with  some  fancied  excellence  in  themselves  instead  of 
the  excellence  and  glory  of  the  Lord  our  righteousness : 
him  the  grace  of  faith  ever  exalts.  Have  you  faith  1  Is 
Christ  the  glory  and  excellence  of  your  faith  and  of  your 
heart  1  Then  above  all,  or  over  all  things  else,  take  this 
shield  of  faith.  Fiery  darts,  shot  from  the  burning  malice 


AUGUST  23.  347 

of  hell,  are  flying  thick  around  us ;  such  as  strong  temp- 
tations, horrid  thoughts  of  God,  debasing  thoughts  of 
Christ,  distressing  and  despairing  ones  of  the  hope  of  sal- 
vation by  him.  O  how  do  these  fiery  darts  of  the  enemy 
tend  to  burn  up  the  peace,  hope,  consolation  and  joy  of 
the  soul. 

"Ah,"  says  Satan,  "you  a  child  of  God;  you  a  be- 
liever in  Christ ;  you  an  heir  of  glory ;  your  faith  is 
fancy,  your  hope  delusion ;  you  are  an  accursed  sinner 
in  all  you  do ;  you  had  better  give  over  your  profession, 
give  up  your  hope,  and  enjoy  yourself  in  the  world,  for 
all  your  expectations  are  only  vain!"  What  can  the 
poor  sinner  say  1  How  repel,  how  quench  such  fiery 
darts  1  Only  by  taking  "the  shield  of  faith  ;"  holding  up 
the  work  of  Jesus  against  them  all :  "My  Saviour's  blood 
atoned  for  my  sins ;  his  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin  ; 
all  manner  of  sin  and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  ;  in 
his  righteousness  I  am  justified  from  all  things  j  there 
is  now  no  condemnation  to  me,  for  I  am  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  elect  V 


August  23. — And  take  the  helmet  of  salvation.   Ephes.  4  :  17. 

It  is  excellently  said  by  Gurnal  in  his  Christian  Ar- 
mor :  "  Resolve  for  hardships,  or  lay  down  thine  iJrms. 
Few  come  at  the  beat  of  Christ's  drum  to  his  standard. 
Many  that  enlist  by  external  profession  under  him,  after 
a  while  drop  away  and  leave  his  colors.  It  is  suffering 
work  they  refuse.  Many  men  are  more  tender  of  their 
body  than  of  their  conscience  ,*  they  had  rather  the 
Gospel  had  provided  armor  to  defend  their  bodies 
from  death  and  danger  than  their  souls  from  sin  and 
Satan." 

All  this  is  because  they  have  not  on  "  the  helmet  of 
salvation."  What  is  this  1  For  an  helmet,  "  the  hope 
of  salvation."    1  Thess.  5:8.    Do  not  all  naturally  hope 


348  AUGUST  24. 

to  be  saved  1  Yes,  some  in  one  way  and  some  in  an- 
other ;  but  all  natural  hopes  are  false  hopes ;  therefore 
they  die  and  perish.  This  helmet  is  a  supernatural  and 
divine  hope.  All  men  have  not  faith  j  therefore  they 
have  not  Christ,  who  is  the  helmet  of  hope  ;  "  the  Lord 
Jesus  "  is  "  OUT  hope."  1  Tim.  1 :  1.  We  have  received 
him  into  our  hearts  by  faith  :  he  is  the  only  hope  of 
our  souls. 

Christian,  you  are  daily,  and  every  day,  to  take  and 
put  on  this  precious  helmet  of  salvation,  that  you  may 
lift  up  your  head  in  every  day  of  battle.  Ever  lay  this 
down  as  a  fixed  maxim  in  your  heart,  whatever  grace  the 
Spirit  works  in  you,  as  faith,  hope,  love,  it  is  that  you 
should  exalt  Christ,  the  Lord  of  all  grace,  out  of  whose 
fulness  you  receive  grace  for  grace.  Mind  this  :  you  are 
not  to  live  upon  hope  as  a  grace  within  you  j  but  to  take 
Christ,  all  that  he  is  to  you  and  has  done  for  you,  as  the 
object  of  your  hope  and  the  helmet  of  your  salvation. 
Many  are  apt  to  look  more  to,  and  trust  more  in  graces 
in  themselves,  than  in  Christ  giving  himself  for  them. 
The  Spirit  does  nothing  in  us  to  glorify  us,  but  to  glori- 
fy Jesus,  to  endear  him  to  us,  and  that  we  should  glory 
more  and  more  of  him  and  in  him. 

Take  this  helmet,  for  this  keeps  hope  alive  in  the  heart : 
it  is^of  continual  use  to  us  ;  we  are  in  perpetual  danger  : 
it  defends  the  head :  it  makes  the  heart  happy  :  inspires 
with  courage  :  fortifies  the  mind  and  purifies  the  life.  No 
wonder  that  the  enemy  strives  to  rob  us  of  the  comfort 
of  hope :  no  marvel  that  the  Spirit,  the  Comforter,  com- 
mands us  to  take,  put  on,  and  keep  on,  this  blessed  helmet 
of  salvation,  the  work  of  Christ,  which  is  our  finished 
salvation.  In  that  we  stand  perfect  and  complete  in  the 
will  of  God:  this  will  guard  our  heads  against  corrupt 
doctrines,  and  give  courage  to  our  hearts  in  the  heat 
of  battle  against  affliction  and  distress :  *'  Hope  thou 
in  God."  Psalm  42:5. 


AUGUST  24.  349 

August  24. — And  take  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word 
of  God.    Ephe5.  6  :  17. 

Soldiers  of  Christ,  all  hail !  Happy  are  ye  :  Christ  is 
your  whole  armor.  Christ,  who  is  the  truth,  is  the  strength 
of  your  loins :  his  righteousness  is  your  breast-plate  of 
defence.  He  is  the  sum  and  substance  of  the  Gospel  of 
peace,  whereby  our  feet  are  shod  to  march  against  the 
enemy ;  the  author  and  object  of  faith ;  our  shield,  to 
quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked  one  ;  our  helmet 
of  hope.  Thus,  by  the  grace  of  the  Spirit,  put  him  on 
as  your  armor.  Then,  what  dangers  may  you  not  facel 
What  enemies  have  you  to  fear  1 

But  forget  not  your  sword:  though  but  just  entered 
the  field,  you  must  know  the  use  of  it  and  necessity  for 
it :  it  is  offensive  to  your  enemy,  defensive  of  yourself. 
What  can  you  do  without  "  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which 
is  the  word  of  God  ?"  By  it  he  conquers  the  pride  of  our 
hearts,  the  self-righteousness  of  our  spirits,  and  the  re- 
bellion of  our  nature  against  Christ  and  his  salvation. 
He  furnishes  us  with  it,  and  enables  us  to  obtain  the  vic- 
tory over  our  corrupt  reason,  the  injections  of  Satan, 
and  the  objections  of  carnal  men  against  the  mystery  of 
Christ,  hope  in  him,  and  salvation  by  him. 

Take  this  sword :  hold  fast  the  faithful  word  ,*  abide  by 
it;  stand  to  it.  As  a  sentinel,  with  this  sword  in  thine 
hand,  guard  thy  heart  against  every  intruding,  insulting 
foe,  all  the  lying  accusations,  soul-dejecting,  Christ-dis- 
honoring suggestions  of  Satan.  Not  only  so,  but  like 
Esau,  "  by  thy  sword  thou  shalt  live  ;"  live  upon  what  thy 
sword  brings  in  from  day  to  day  out  of  the  precious  word 
of  God,  out  of  the  fulness  of  the  grace  of  Jesus,  and  the 
precious  promises  in  him.  Having  such  an  armor,  the 
Lord  forbid  that  we  should  be  like  the  children  of  Eph- 
raim,  who  turned  back  in  the  day  of  battle  !  Psalm  78  :  9. 
Lord,  strengthen  us,  that  we  may  never  be  ashamed  to 
confess  the  faith  of  Christ  crucified,  but  may  manfully 


S50  AUGUST  25. 

fight  under  his  banner  against  sin,  the  world,  and  the 
devil  J  and  so  continue  Christ's  faithful  soldiers  and  ser- 
vants unto  the  end  of  life.  Is  this  the  one  desire  of  your 
soul  1  0  bless  the  Spirit  for  it :  hold  fast  the  sword  which 
lie  hath  put  into  your  hand:  hold  up,  "Thus  saith  the 
Lord — thus  it  is  written,"  against  every  foe.  Neither 
men  nor  devils  can  stand  against  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
*'  It  is  sharper  than  any  two-edged  sword."    Heb.  4 :  12. 


August  25. — Praying  always  icith  all  prayer.    Eph.  6:  18. 

One,  by  way  of  banter,  said  to  me,  ^*  I  will  treat  you 
with  a  play  if  you  will  go  with  me  to-night."  I  thanked 
him,  and  told  him  I  would  accompany  him  if  I  could  be 
sure  that  it  would  bring  more  of  the  love  of  Christ  into 
my  heart :  this,  this  is  worth  living  for,  using  any  means 
to  promote,  and  going  any  where  to  procure.  But,  here 
is  a  weapon  which  defends  us  against  all  temptations  to 
go  to  those  places,  or  do  those  things  which  are  con- 
trary to  the  peace  of  our  souls  and  damp  the  love  of 
Christ  in  our  hearts.  That  soul  who  lives  in  sweet  fel- 
lowship with  God  at  the  throne  of  grace,  is  dead  to 
sensual  gratifications ;  the  more  prayer,  the  more  spirit- 
ual life  from  Christ ;  the  more  spiritual  life,  the  more 
prayer  to  Christ  j  the  more  we  enjoy  Christ,  the  less  we 
desire  from  the  world. 

Praying :  this  is  the  last  weapon  of  our  warfare  ;  it 
will  be  used  by  soldiers  to  the  last  moment  of  life.  "  God 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner ;"  "  Jesus,  save,  or  I  perish," 
are  suitable  petitions  for  a  dying  soldier  of  Christ : 
such  prayer  of  faith  we  are  sure  God  will  answer. 

Praying  always :  we  are  prone  to  think  that  we  are 
not  always  in  fit  frame  to  pray.  Who  but  Christ  can 
put  our  souls  in  a  better  1  Therefore,  pray  him  to  do  it. 
"  I  am  oppressed,"  said  Hezekiah.  What  then  1  Did  he 
cease  to   pray  ]    No :    "  O  Lord,   undertake  for  me." 


AUGUST  26.  351 

Isa.  38  :  14.   The  help  of  Jesus  we  want  always ;  there- 
fore should  pray  for  it  always. 

With  all  prayer :  every  kind  of  prayer  :  though  armed 
with  the  whole  armor  of  God,  yet  we  gain  no  victory 
without  the  power  of  God.  The  most  secret  sigh  of  the 
soul  is  heard  by  God,  as  well  as  the  loudest  cry  of  the 
tongue.  If  your  lot  is  cast  into  the  worst  of  company, 
there  your  heart  may  pray  j  God  can  hear ;  you  then 
ought  to  pray  that  God  may  keep  you.  Are  you  deject- 
ed and  uncomfortable  in  your  soul  %  Why  is  this  1  That 
you  should  call  upon  the  Lord.  Do  you  fear  your 
enemies  will  prevail  1  Improve  fears  into  prayers  ;  call 
on  the  Saviour  j  the  more  prayer,  the  more  victory  :  the 
more  victory,  the  more  love.  Love  is  heaven  below  :  thus 
we  go  on  ''  conquering  and  to  conquer."  *'  The  last 
enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is  death :"  praying  souls 
may  joyfully  shout  victory  over  death  :  in  all  things 
■'  more  than  conquerors,  through  Him  who  loved  us." 
Romans,  8  :  37.  Is  this  the  state,  this  the  faith  of  pray- 
ing christians  1  Who  brought  them  into  this  happy  state, 
this  joyful  faith  1  The  question  excites  gratitude,  and 
calls  forth  praise  to  Jesus,  "  the  author  and  finisher  of 
our  faith."  Heb.  12  :  2. 


August  26. — There  is  one  body  and  one  Spirit.    Eph.  4 : 4. 

Paul  exhorts  saints  to  a  holy,  loving,  peaceful  walk : 
he  knew  nothing  could  effect  this  like  the  consideration 
that  they  all  composed  one  body,  of  which  Jesus  is  the 
head.  While  the  power  of  this  truth  lives  in  the  heart, 
love  prevails  in  holiness  before  God  and  peace  with  our 
brethren.  Then,  in  sweet  fellowship  we  say  with  Abra- 
ham to  Lot,  "  Let  there  be  no  strife,  I  pray  thee,  between 
me  and  thee,  for  we  are  brethren."    Gen.  13  :  8. 

There  is  one  body^  saith  our  Lord  :  "  A  body  hast  thou 
prepared   me."   Heb.  10  :  5.    As  Christ  had  a  natural 


352  AUGUST  26. 

body,  formed  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which 
he  was  to  inhabit,  in  which  he  was  to  atone  for  sin, 
fulfil  all  righteousness,  and  make  intercession  for  trans- 
gressors ;  so  he  has  also  a  mystical  body,  the  church, 
chosen  and  given  to  him  by  God  the  Father.  In  and 
over  all  these  he  is  head.  He  was  given  "  to  be  head 
over  all  things  to  the  church,  which  is  his  body."  Ephe- 
sians,  1  :  22,  23.  Believing  sinner,  art  thou  a  member 
of  this  blessed  body,  united  to  this  ever  precious,  ever 
glorious  head  \  Envy  not  monarchs ;  covet  not  earth ; 
study  thy  dignity  ;  live  like  thyself ;  glory  in  thy  head ; 
look  down  with  contempt  on  all  things  below  Christ 
and  heaven. 

There  is  one  Spirit:  he  flows  from  the  head,  has 
united  us  to  the  head,  makes  us  like  the  head,  and 
causes  us  to  rejoice  in  the  head  j  for  Christ  is  in  all  his 
members  :  by  this  one  Spirit  he  animates,  guides,  and 
comforts  them. 

Learn  hence  to  love  and  praise  God  for  the  gift  of 
Jesus  to  be  all  things  to  us ;  and  to  glory  of  and  rejoice 
in  Christ  our  head,  who  has  done  all  for  us,  and  is  all  to 
us,  "  for  in  him  we  are  complete."  Col.  2  :  10.  Give 
glory  also  to  the  Spirit,  w^ho  convinced  us  of  sin,  showed 
us  Christ,  knit  our  hearts  to  him  by  faith,  and  causes  us  to 
look  to,  live  upon,  and  be  comforted  by  Jesus,  our  cove- 
nant head.  Endeavor  to  keep  "  the  unity  of  the  Spirit 
in  the  bond  of  peace  "  between  Christ  and  his  members. 
Saints'  strifes  are  Satan's  sport :  they  grieve  the  Spirit 
and  distress  our  minds.  As  we  expect  to  live  together 
with  our  head  above,  ^'  let  us  follow  the  things  which 
make  for  peace,  and  wherewith  one  may  edify  another  " 
below.  Rom.  14  :  19.  The  power  of  this  faith,  of  being 
one  with  Christ,  is  most  amazing ;  it  works  by  the  love 
of  Christ,  and  produces  love  to  him  and  to  all  his  mem- 
bers, as  being  one  in  him  :  "  Lord,  increase  our  faith." 


AUGUST  27.  353 

August  27.— 'Now  the  just  shall  live  hy  faith.     Heb.  10 :  38. 

Then  they  will  highly  prize  the  word  of  God,  for  by 
that  "faith  cometh."  Rom.  10:  17.  Prophets  and  apos- 
tles, Old  Testament  saints  and  New,  speak  by  one  and 
the  same  Spirit,  one  and  the  same  language,  of  one  and 
the  same  life.  "  The  just  shall  live  by  his  faith,"  says 
Habbakuk,  2 : 4-.  Mind,  it  is  not  said,  the  just,  or  justified 
sinner  shall  live /or  his  faith ;  this  would  be  to  substitute 
faith  in  the  room  of  its  blessed  object  Jesus,  who  saith, 
'^  Because  I  live,  ye  shall  live  also."  John,  14  :  19.  Nor 
is  it  said  he  shall  live  icpon  his  faith :  we  are  too  apt  to 
look  more  to,  and  live  more  upon  what  we  think  faith, 
which  is  rather  the  feelings  of  sense,  than  upon  Christ, 
the  object  of  faith. 

It  is  said  of  Esau,  "  By  thy  sword  shalt  thou  live." 
Gen.  27  :40.  To  have  lived  upon  his  sword  would  have 
been  hard  food  indeed ;  but  he  lived  upon  the  precious 
morsels  his  sword  brought  in :  so  the  believing  sinner, 
justified  in  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  is  to  live,  as  we 
say,  from  hand  to  mouth  ;  upon  what  faith  brings  into  his 
mind  from  the  word  of  Christ,  day  by  day.  Eternal  praise 
to  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  quickened  our  once  dead  souls 
to  this  holy,  spiritual  life  :  and  he  says,  "we  shall  live  by 
faith."  This  demands  fresh  praises  every  moment,  while 
we  thus  live  in  Christ  and  upon  Christ  by  faith. 

Shall  live  :  O  what  is  implied  in  this  !  Even  that  the 
sinner,  "justified  by  faith,"  shall  never  perish  ;  for  he  is 
in  Christ,  who  is  the  way  to  the  kingdom,  the  truth  of 
the  kingdom,  and  the  life  of  all  the  chosen  to  inherit  the 
kingdom.  Hast  thou  faith,  though  but  as  a  grain  of  mus- 
tard-seed 1  Consider  not  thy  faith,  though  weak,  but  the 
author  and  object  of  it,  Jesus,  who  is  almighty  to  save  : 
though  under  the  sentence  of  death  for  sin  in  thyself, 
yet  in  him  thou  hast  righteousness  and  justification  unto 
eternal  life.  "  Lord,  increase  our  faith,"  that  we  may  live 
more  above  with  thee  in  heart  and  affection,  in  conquest 


354  AUGUST  28. 

over  sin,  victory  over  the  world,  triumph  over  the  accu- 
sations of  Satan,  the  condemnation  of  the  law,  and  the 
terrors  of  death. 

Thus  the  life  of  faith  is  a  life  of  present  peace,  pre- 
cious love,  joyful  hope,  and  holy  obedience  :  for  Christ 
is  our  life.  O  let  us  take  heed  lest  we  draw  back  from 
this  our  most  holy,  humble  faith,  either  to  self-righteous- 
ness on  one  hand  or  ungodliness  on  the  other.  Both 
these  oppose  the  life  of  faith,  the  joy  of  hope,  and  the 
comfort  of  love  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus. 


August  28. — Arid  be  found  in  him,  Phil.  3  :  9. 

What !  the  heaven-inspired,  holy,  self-denying  Paul, 
who  had  the  richest  experience  of  grace  and  manifold 
gifts  of  the  Spirit,  had  been  caught  up  to  the  third  hea- 
ven, and  labored  more  abundantly  than  all  the  apostles, 
has  he  got  no  farther  than  to  have  only  the  hope  and 
desire  of  such  a  worthless  sinner  as  II  What !  had  he 
no  inherent  righteousness,  no  graces  of  the  Spirit,  no 
holiness,  no  fruits  of  good  works,  no  sincere  obedience, 
nothing  that  he  had  done  to  look  to,  rely  upon,  and 
desire  to  be  found  in  at  the  bar  of  God  \  No — but  he 
had  precious  faith  in  a  precious  Saviour.  Therefore  he 
looks  out  of  himself,  out  of  all  that  was  wrought  in  and 
done  by  him, — he  passes  it  all  by ;  he  looks  through  it 
all  to  Jesus  ;  he  renounces  it  all  in  point  of  justification 
before  God,  and  puts  the  issue  of  his  eternal  life  and 
salvation  upon  being  found  in  Christy  and  having  on  his 
infinitely  perfect  and  glorious  righteousness. 

Beza,  upon  this  place,  brings  in  the  justice  of  God 
pursuing  Paul  as  a  malefactor,  and  Christ  as  a  city  of 
refuge  to  which  he  desires  to  flee.  Mr.  Burkitt,  though 
not  the  most  consistent  expositor,  has  here  one  of  the 
many  excellent  things  which  he  says,  "  Christ's  perfect 
obedience  unto  death  entitles  us  to  heaven." 


AUGUST  29.  355 

From  Paul's  desire  we  learn  what  is  the  sole  object 
of  a  convinced  sinner's  faith :  not  what  he  is  in  himself, 
not  any  thing  wrought  in  him  or  done  by  him,  but 
wholly  and  exclusively  the  person  and  righteousness  of 
the  Son  of  God.  If  you  have  the  faith  of  God's  elect, 
you  will  rest  the  hope  of  your  soul  only  upon  Christ, 
and  desire  to  be  found  in  him  in  life,  in  death,  and  at 
the  judgment. 

Let  us  also  beware  that  we  do  not  slight  and  decry 
the  graces  and  fruits  of  the  Spirit  in  us  :  though  we  are 
not  to  look  to  these  for  our  justification,  yet  they  are 
comfortable  evidences  of  our  being  one  with  Christ  and 
interested  in  the  Father's  everlasting  love:  they  are  not 
bestowed  on  us  to  rival  Christ  in  our  hope ;  but  that  we 
should  glory  in  him,  and  exalt  him  in  our  hearts,  lips 
and  lives. 

Though  we  desire  to  be  found  only  in  Christ,  though 
our  holy  walk  and  good  works  cannot  justify  our  per- 
sons,  yet  they  justify  our  faith,  our  profession,  yea,  and 
the  doctrines  of  grace,  from  the  unjust  charge  of  licen- 
tiousness. O  may  we  be  more  and  more  concerned  to 
obey  Christ,  to  let  our  light  of  truth  "  shine  before  men, 
that,  seeing  our  good  works,  they  may  glorify  our  Father 
who  is  in  heaven."  Matt.  5  :  16.  Paul  wishes  for  the 
experienced  comfort  and  sensible  blessing  of  beinor 
"found  in  Christ :"  this  precious  enjoyment  we  also 
should  covet  earnestly. 


August  29. — Building  up  yourselves  on  your  most  holy  faitlu 
Jude,  20. 

Instead  of  going  on  comfortably  in  this  work,  many 
are  questioning  whether  they  have  a  most  holy  faith. 
Bring  this  to  a  point  this  day.  Has  the  ruinous  fabric  of 
nature's  self-confidence,  self-righteousness,  self-compla- 
cency, and  self-pleasing  ever  been  pulled  down  1    Has 


356  AUGUST  29. 

the  Spirit  convinced  you  of  sin  1  Do  you  see  yourself  a 
lost,  ruined  sinner  ;  so  lost  and  so  ruined  by  sin  that  no 
one  but  the  Son  of  God  can  restore  and  save  you  1  Do 
you  believe  that  he  came  to  save  sinners  1  Is  it  the 
desire  of  your  heart  to  be  saved  from  all  sin  by  him  1 
If  so,  you  as  surely  possess  a  holy  faith  as  you  enjoy 
natural  life  ;  and  you  will  get  stronger  evidence  and 
greater  assurance  of  it,  by  using  every  blessed  means 
to  prove  that  you  have  this  most  holy  faith,  while  you 
build  up  yourself  on  it. 

This  will  appear  to  be  a  holy  faith ^  by  leading  out 
your  soul  after  a  holy  Saviour,  to  be  rooted  and  built 
up  in  him,  and  established  in  the  faith  of  his  perfect 
love  to  you  and  finished  salvation  for  you,  abounding 
therein  with  thanksgiving.  Col.  2  :  7.  You  will  not  live 
a  day  but  praise  will  rise  in  your  heart  to  the  Father 
for  his  unspeakable  gift  of  Christ ;  to  the  Son  for  giving 
himself  for  you  ;  and  to  the  Spirit  for  the  gift  of  this 
most  holy  faith  to  you. 

As  you  believe  sin  has  made  you  miserable  j  that  it 
causes  God  to  hide  his  face;  clouds  your  views  of  the 
Sun  of  righteousness ;  grieves  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
damps  the  joys  of  faith  ;  you  cannot,  you  dare  not  seek 
happiness  in  the  pleasures  of  sin  ;  you  will  hate  it,  strive 
against  it,  that  you  may  grow  in  grace  and  be  built  up 
in  your  most  holy  faith.  As  you  believe  that  the  earth 
and  all  things  that  are  therein  are  doomed  to  be  burnt 
up,  you  cannot  love  the  world  so  as  to  set  your  affec- 
tions on  it  and  seek  your  happiness  in  it.  You  hear  the 
voice  of  the  Lord,  *'My  son,  give  me  thy  heart."  When 
tempted  by  the  honors,  riches,  and  pleasures  of  a  be- 
witching world,  you  will  say  of  all.  You  bid  too  little 
to  purchase  me  :  I  have  a  holy  faith ;  I  believe  that  my 
holy  God  can  make  me  infinitely  more  honorable,  rich, 
and  happy,  than  all  your  toys  and  baubles.  The  Lord  is 
MY  PORTION,  saith  my  soul. 


AUGUST  30.  35 

O  christian,  be  tliis  the  confidence  of  thy  most  holy 
faith.  Bless  the  Lord  that  ever  it  was  wrought  in  you. 
Bear  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  knowing  that  from 
Christ  you  shall  ''  receive  the  end  of  your  faith,  even 
the  salvation  of  your  soul."   1  Pet.  1  :  9. 


August  30.—/  die  daily.    1  Cor.  15:31. 

Paul,  in  a  peculiar  sense,  could  say  so  ;  he  was  daily 
in  danger  of  suffering  martyrdom  for  Christ :  he  makes 
the  most  solemn  oath  to  it,  "  I  protest  by  our  (not  your) 
rejoicing,  which  I  have  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  I  die 
daily."  He  thus  virtually  appeals  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  the 
author  of  this  joy.  Happy  Paul !  The  joy  of  the  Lord 
was  in  his  heart,  the  prospect  of  enjoying  his  Lord  in 
his  eye,  the  world  under  his  feet,  and  he  daily  expect- 
ing his  Lord's  messenger  to  call  him  home.  This  was 
living  indeed  in  the  very  suburbs  of  glory  :  and  pray 
what  should  hinder  you  and  I  from  living  as  he  did  1 

Paul  was  the  subject  of  the  same  corrupt  nature,  in 
which  dwelt  no  good  thing,  as  we  are ;  we  have  the 
same  Lord  to  look  to  and  rejoice  in,  the  same  faith  and 
hope  to  animate  us,  the  same  Holy  Ghost  to  strengthen 
and  comfort  us,  and  the  same  place  prepared  by  Christ 
for  us.  Why  should  not  we  also  "  die  daily  V  Why 
should  not  we  live  a  dying  life  ]  All  do  in  reality :  but 
why  should  not  we  in  sweet  practice  and  happy  expe- 
rience 1  Plainly,  we  do  not  believe  enough  what  the 
Lord  has  done  for  us,  is  to  us,  and  has  promised  to  be- 
stow on  us  ;  therefore  w^e  do  not  look  and  pray  enough 
to  our  Lord. 

My  dear  fellow-christians,  I  will  be  bold  to  enter  this 
protest,  from  the  experience  of  my  own  soul,  that  we 
cannot  live  comfortably  unless  we  die  daily  ;  as  consid- 
ering ourselves  daily  subject  to  the  stroke  of  death. 


858  A.UGUST  31. 

This  hour,  this  moment  may  put  a  period  to  my  ex- 
istence. Why  then  all  my  busy  cares,  anxious  thoughts, 
corroding  fears  and  ardent  desires  after  the  objects  of 
time  1  Death  will  soon  make  me  quit  my  hold  of  them  : 
but  I  will  anticipate  his  approach.  I  will  die  in  heart, 
hope,  and  affection  to  them.  Take,  ye  sons  of  earth, 
the  riches,  honors,  and  pleasures  of  a  perishing  world  ; 
grasp  them  in  your  hand  j  clasp  them  to  your  heart  if 
you  can ;  but  lo,  instead  of  substance  you  will  find  sha- 
dow J  all  are  but  airy  bubbles  that  will  elude  your  hope  ; 
I  have  tried  them  all  j  I  die  to  them  all  j  for  I  have  found 
that  above  which  kills  my  desires,  hopes,  and  affections 
to  all  below.  I  have  found  a  once  crucified,  now  risen 
and  ascended  Saviour.  He  has  possession  of  my  heart ; 
he  dwells  there  by  faith  ;  he  is  to  me  the  hope  of  glory. 
The  glorious  rays  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness  extinguish 
the  faint  light  of  earthly  glow-worms  :  my  Lord  lives  ; 
that  is  death  to  all  beside.  Death  is  deprived  of  his 
terrors :  I  entertain  him  as  my  friend,  converse  freely 
and  daily  with  him.  Why  %  Because  my  Lord  intro- 
duces him  to  my  heart,  not  with  a  sting  to  wound  and 
kill  me,  but  with  the  voice  of  a  messenger  of  peace,  to 
fcall  me  from  pains  and  trials  to  peace  and  rest,  to  the 
full  enjoyment  of  Jesus  above,  who  is  my  glory  and  my 
life  below.  Col.  3  :  4. 


August  31. — Honor  the  Lord  with  thy  substance.    Prov.  3  : 9. 

O  may  this  be  the  daily  study  of  our  hearts  and  the 
constant  practice  of  our  lives !  "  Let  us  be  glad  and  re- 
joice, and  give  honor  to  the  Lord,  for  the  marriage  of 
the  Lajib  is  come."  Rev.  19  :  7.  He  is  our  husband : 
we  are  espoused  to  him  by  faith.  Consider  the  work 
of  honoring  the  Lord,  and  the  reason  for  it. 

What !  can  I,  a  worm  of  the  earth,  honor  the  Lord  of 
heaven  \     Yes,  thou  art  called  to  it,  and  formed  for  it : 


AUGUST  31.  359 

this  honor  have  ail  his  saints  :  it  is  our  greatest  honor 
on  earth  to  honor  our  Lord  in  heaven  :  "  All  thy  works 
shall  praise  thee,  0  Lord,  and  thy  saints  shall  bless  thee. 
They  shall  speak  of  the  glory  of  thy  kingdom,  and  talk 
of  thy  power.  To  nnake  known  to  the  sons  of  men  his 
mighty  acts,  and  the  glorious  majesty  of  his  kingdom.'* 
Psalm  114.:  10,  11,  12.  So  they  honored  the  Lord  of 
old,  in  displaying  the  glory  of  his  grace  ;  this  work  you 
are  called  to,  if  you  have  seen  the  glory  of  his  kingdom, 
felt  the  power  of  it,  and  entered  into  it  by  faith  :  "  Honor 
the  Lord  with  thy  substance." 

Do  not  put  such  a  dry,  shrivelled  comment  upon  the 
word  substance^  as  though  it  meant  giving  a  trifle  now 
and  then  to  the  poor.  Remember,  "  the  liberal  deviseth 
liberal  things,  and  by  liberal  things  he  shall  stand,"  or 
be  established.  Isa.  32 :  8.  Do  not  dispense  shadow  when 
the  Lord  requires  substance.  If  thy  soul  is  liberal,  thou 
wilt  devise  liberal  things.  This  text  will  not  only  re- 
mind you  of  liberally  dispensing  of  your  substance  to 
the  poor  and  needy ;  but  also  of  honoring  your  Lord  by 
the  faith  of  your  heart,  the  love  of  your  soul,  placing 
your  whole  affections  upon  him,  and  devoting  your  sub- 
stance, your  whole  spirit,  soul  and  body,  to  him  ;  you 
will  not  be  content  with  notions  without  life,  form  with- 
out spirit,  worship  without  the  heart,  religion  without 
the  soul. 

Consider  the  reasons' for  thus  "honoring  the  Lord." 
God  has  put  the  highest  honor  upon  you  ;  "  He  has  call- 
ed you  into  the  fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ." 
1  Cor.  1  :  9.  He  has  blessed  you  with  all  spiritual  bless- 
ings in  him.  Eph.  1 :  3.  There  is  no  blessing  God  has 
to  be&tow,  or  of  which  Christ  is  possessed,  but  it  is 
treasured  up  for  you  in  Christ,  and  shall  be  received  out 
of  the  fulness  of  Christ.  Can  you  walk  i,n  the  fellow- 
ship of  Christ  and  not  delight  to  honor  God  with  your 
substance  1  Again,  you  received  all  this  freely,  therefore 


360  SEPTEMBER  1. 

you  ought  to  give  freely  :  you  are  a  pensioner  upon  God, 
and  God  is,  as  it  were,  a  petitioner  to  you.  Can  you  refuse 
him  who  speaks  1  Can  you  withhold  any  thing  from  him 
by  whom  you  enjoy  your  all  1  Think  also,  you  have  but 
a  little  while  to  honor  your  Lord  :  let  the  faith  of  this 
stir  you  up  to  exert  all  your  might :  only  call  in  and  con- 
sult faith  and  love,  and  act  under  their  influence  to 
God's  glory. 


September. 


Sept.  1. — From  that  time  many  of  his  disciples  went  hack^  and 
walked  no  more  with  him.    John,  6  :  66. 

Thus  was  fulfilled  that  saying,  how  "  can  two  walk 
together,  except  they  be  agreed  1"  Amos,  3 :  3.  This 
chapter  is  like  a  touch-stone  ;  herein  our  Lord  tries  his 
disciples,  to  see  who  are  his.  Many  who  are  his  pro- 
fessed, are  not  his  real  disciples.  Times  of  trial  will 
come  :  they  make  manifest.  The  lowest  hell  is  prepared 
for  those  who  turn  their  backs  upon  the  Son  of  God  on 
earth.  Lord,  grant  that  our  faces  may  be  set  like  a  flint 
towards  thee  ;  for,  blessed  be  thy  name,  thou  hast  said 
of  those  who  continue  with  thee  in  thy  temptations: 
''  I  appoint  unto  you  a  kingdom  ;  ye  shall  eat  and  drink 
at  my  table."    Luke,  22  :  29,  30. 

But  those  who  are  not  agreed  with  Christ,  have  not 
the  mind  of  Christ,  and  will  not  walk  with  him.  Some 
of  these  disciples  followed  Christ  for  the  loaves  and 
fishes.  John,  6  :  26.  Those  who  follow  Christ  to  get 
food  for  their  bodies  and  the  good  things  of  this  life, 
instead  of  food  for  the    soul,  will   soon   forsake   him. 


SEPTEMBER  2.  361 

Christ's  blessings  are  spiritual,  their  views  are  carnal. 
Such  are  not  agreed  with  him. 

Others  murmured  at  him  because  he  said,  "  I  came 
down  from  heaven."  John,  6  :  41.  They  were  ignorant 
of  his  mission  from  the  Father.  Many  people  hear 
again  and  again  of  Christ,  but  have  no  solid,  scriptural 
judgment  of  the  divinity  of  his  person  clothed  in  human 
nature,  nor  of  the  end  and  design  of  his  coming  into 
the  world  ;  for  want  of  knowledge  of  him,  and  faith  in 
him,  they  soon  forsake  him. 

Others  could  not  receive  his  saying,  "  Except  ye  eat 
the  flesh  and  drink  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  man,  ye  have 
no  life  in  you."  John,  6  :  53.  His  words  were  spirit- 
ual, their  notions  carnal :  they  could  not  see  how 
Christ  could  be  the  spiritual  food  of  souls  by  faith ;  so, 
many  in  our  day  cry,  ''  Where  mystery  begins  religion 
ends :"  these  left  following  Christ. 

His  doctrine  't»f  his  Father's  sovereign  grace  was 
galling  to  the  pride  of  their  self-righteous,  self-sufficient 
hearts  :  '^  No  man  can  come  unto  me,  except  it  were 
given  unto  him  of  my  Father."  John,  6:65.  "From 
that"  speech,  (time  is  not  in  the  original)  "many  of  his 
disciples  went  back,  and  walked  no  more  with  him."  O 
how  many  still  oppose  the  truth  of  the  sovereign  love 
and  efficacious  grace  of  God  the  Father,  in  drawing 
sinners  to  his  Son  for  salvation  !  Alas,  they  have  not 
the  mind  of  Christ  ;  they  see  not  the  special  mercy  of 
being  under  the  efficacious  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  the 
Father.  0  disciple,  let  the  falling  away  of  others  warn 
thee  :  be  strong  in  the  Lord  :  be  diffident  of  self:  look 
constantly  to  "  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  fall- 
ing."   Jude,  24. 


Sept.  2. — I  labored  more  abundantly  than  they  all ;  yet  not  T, 
but  the  grace  of  God  which  was  with  me.    1  Cor.  15 :  10. 
Those  journals,    diaries,  or    relations  of  experience 

S-  Treasuij-.  1  n- 


362  SEPTEMBER  2, 

which  do  not  exalt  the  riches  of  the  grace  of  God,  but 
display  the  self-importance  of  men,  are  as  tainted  food 
to  the  palate  :  they  remind  of  the  poet's  phrase,  "  and  I 
the  little  hero  of  each  tale."  Not  so  Pau],  in  speaking  of 
himself  J  no  sooner  does  he  advert  to  what  he  had  done, 
than  he  hides  himself  in  the  grace  of  God.  Hence  this 
doctrine  is  plain :  the  grace  of  God  makes  a  person 
labor  for  God,  and  yet  keeps  him  humble  before  God. 

To  have  the  grace  of  God  with  us,  is  to  have  a  lively 
sense  of  God's  free  favor  in  Christ  upon  our  souls ; 
without  this  we  go  on  heavily  in  the  ways  of  God,  soon 
tire  in  his  service,  and  turn  back  and  walk  no  more 
with  Christ :  this  was  the  life  and  spring  of  all  Paul's 
labors.  Let  us  see  to  it,  then,  that  we  wrestle  with  God 
in  prayer,  study  the  precious  word  of  his  grace,  and  be 
diligent  in  attending  his  ordinances,  that  we  may  ever 
have  a  lively  sense  of  God's  pardoning,  justifying,  sanc- 
tifying grace  in  Christ  upon  our  hearts,  ever  cautiously 
avoid  all  persons,  places,  and  things,  which  tend  to 
grieve  the  Spirit  and  quench  his  lively  influence. 

Every  private  christian  is  called  to  labor  for  God,  as 
well  as  apostles  and  ministers.  There  is  such  a  thing  as 
receiving  the  grace  of  God  in  vain.  How'?  When  we 
profess  to  esteem  and  receive  the  doctrines  of  the  Gos- 
pel of  grace,  and  yet  they  bring  not  forth  in  us  corres- 
pondent fruits.  Oh  how  much  is  this  the  case  among 
professors !  How  greatly  to  be  deplored  and  depre- 
cated !  What!  do  you  profess  to  know  God,  and  yet  in 
works  deny  him  1  Do  you  believe  the  love  and  salvation 
of  Christ  for  miserable  sinners  j  and  yet  can  you,  in- 
stead of  laboring  for  his  glory,  be  idle,  in  not  living  and 
walking,  studying  and  striving  to  please  our  Saviour 
and  profit  his  dear  children  1  Have  you  the  grace  of 
God  with  you  1  It  is  to  be  feared,  if  you  have,  that  yoa 
have  sadly  lost  its  life  and  influence.  0  then  be  deeply 
aflfected  for  your  state  ! 


SEPTEMBER  3.  363 

Is  the  grace  of  God  warm  upon  our  hearts  1  Are  we 
active  for  God's  glory  in  our  lives  1  Do  we  labor  more 
than  others  for  God  1  0  let  us  beware  that  we  do  not 
sacrifice  to  ourselves,  or  exalt  our  own  power  and  faith- 
fulness J  for  true  grace  will  keep  us  low  and  humble  : 
in  the  light  of  it  we  shall  see  how  little  we  do  for  God, 
how  much  more  we  ought  to  do  ;  and  in  the  little  we 
do,  how  much  evil  there  is  in  it,  and  how  far  short  we 
come  in  all  of  his  glory  :  "  Be  clothed  with  humility." 
1  Peter,  5:5, 


Sept.  3. — From  the  rising  of  the  sun,  unto  the  going  down  of  the 
same,  the  Lord's  name  is  to  he  praised.    Psalm  113  :  3. 

Praise  is  the  incessant  employ  of  glorified  saints  in 
heaven  :  there  they  fully  see  and  eternally  sing  of  the 
electing,  redeeming,  sanctifying,  glorifying  love  of  the 
blessed  Trinity.  May  our  souls  now  catch  something 
of  the  heavenly  flame  of  love,  and  imitate  them  in  our 
praises.  This  is  the  work  of  an  humble  heart :  pride  is 
the  parent  of  murmuring  and  discontent.  A  sense  of 
the  blessings  of  the  Lord,  and  a  sight  of  our  unworthi- 
ness  of  them,  excite  praises  in  the  heart. 

This  is  the  language  of  a  praising  soul, ''  Why  me.  Lord  1 
Why  am  I  singled  out  from  the  ruins  of  a  fallen  race,  to 
partake  of  thy  special  grace,  peculiar  love,  and  precious 
salvation  1  Am  I  better  than  others  1  Have  I  done  more 
to  deserve  thy  mercies  than  others  1  Have  I  a  greater 
right  to  challenge  thy  favor  than  others  1  0  Lord,  why 
me  V  Thus,  while  the  soul  sinks  in  humility,  it  rises 
in  praises.  David  describes  saints  with  the  "  high  praises 
of  God  in  their  mouth,  and  a  two-edged  sword  in  their 
hand."  Psalm  149  :  6.  What  for  1  To  execute  vengeance 
upon  the  heathen  notions  of  sacrificing  any  praise  to 
themselves,  or  ascribing  any  thmg  to  their  own  deserts. 
These  are  special  marks  of  a  regenerate  person. 


S64  SEPTEMBER  4, 

His  heart  is  formed  for  and  his  soul  delights  to  praise 
the  Lord  at  all  times  ;  for  he  sees  himself  infinitely  and 
-entirely  indebted  to  the  grace  of  God  for  all  he  is,  all 
he  enjoys,  and  all  he  hopes  for.  It  is  his  grief  that  he 
cannot  praise  the  Lord  as  he  would  ;  for  worthy  is  the 
Lord  of  unceasing  praise.  His  mercies  are  renewed 
every  morning,  continued  unto  evening,  and  repeated  in 
the  night-season. 

But  here  is  a  precious  word  in  this  Psalm  that  en- 
dears the  Lord  to  us,  and  excites  praise  from  us  :  "Who 
is  like  unto  the  Lord  our  God  who  dwelleth  on  high : 
who  HUMBLETH  himself" — pause,  O  my  soul,  at  that 
astonishing  word :  how  did  the  most  high  God  humble 
himself!  To  the  most  low  and  abject  state  ;  made  him- 
self of  no  reputation^  took  on  him  the  form  of  a  servant : 
yea  more,  became  obedient  to  the  most  ignominious 
death,  even  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross.  Phil.  2  :  8. 
O  my  souly  though  vile  in  thine  own  eyes,  though  of  no 
repute  in  the  world,  consider  this  :  thou  canst  never  want 
an  inexhaustible  fund  of  comfort  and  a  never-failing 
source  of  praise.  "Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul:  and  all 
that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy  name."  Psalm  103  :  1. 


Sept.  4. — Come,  hny  icine  and  ?nilk,  unthout  money  and  icithout 
p?-ice.  Isaiah ,  55  :  1 . 

A  free  Gospel  is  the  glory  of  God's  grace,  the  joy  of 
humble  souls,  the  envy  of  devils,  and  the  contempt  of 
the  proud  and  self-righteous.  Milk  is  the  pure,  sweet, 
soul-nourishing  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  Wine 
is  the  heart-reviving  comfort  of  pardon  of  sin  and  peace 
with  God  through  the  blood  of  Christ :  the  Lord  knows 
we  cannot  grow  strong,  or  be  comfortable  in  our  souls, 
without  this  precious  milk  and  animating  wine.  Here 
is  the  Lord's  open  house,  public  market,  free  invitation, 
and  fixed  price. 


SEPTEMBER  4.  365 

Come,  draw  nigh  to  me  ;  keep  not  at  a  distance  from 
me,  saith  the  Lord  ;  make  no  excuse,  nor  any  delay ; 
come  now,  this  moment ;  here  is  a  free  invitation,  and  a 
hearty  welcome.    O  the  love  of  our  Lord's  heart ! 

Buy.  Art  thou  rich  1  Such  the  Lord  sends  empty 
away.  Hast  thou  brought  a  stock  of  thine  own  faithful- 
ness, and  good  deeds  that  thou  hast  done,  to  buy  with  1 
Then,  instead  of  wine  and  milk,  thou  wilt  receive  a 
scourge  from  the  Lord.  Remember,  those  who  bought 
and  sold  he  drove  out  of  his  temple,  "O,"  saith  the 
poor  self-emptied,  soul-humbled  sinner,  ^^  this  word  buy 
puts  me  to  a  stand:  I  am  poor  and  pennyless  ;  I  have 
nothing  to  bring  but  misery  and  poverty ;  I  am  perish- 
ing for  want  of  comfort."  Thou  art  the  very  person  in- 
vited :  the  Lord  "filleth  the  hungry  soul  with  good."  O 
precious  word  of  marvellous  grace  ! 

Buy — without  money  and  without  'price.  What!  have 
I  been  five,  ten,  twenty  years  or  upwards  in  Christ,  and 
have  I  got  no  inherent  stock  of  grace,  no  more  worth  or 
value  to  buy  with  than  I  had  when  I  first  came  to  him 
as  a  poor,  naked,  and  perishing  sinner  \  Must  I  come 
as  at  first,  poor  and  pennyless  \  Yes :  or  not  at  all.  The 
Lord  knows  what  thou  art  \  he  invites  thee  just  as  thou 
art;  his  price  just  suits  thy  abject  poverty.  What  an 
affront  would  it  be  to  a  dear  friend  to  bring  a  price  in 
our  hands  for  a  rich  entertainment,  with  a  free  invita- 
tion ]  No  affectionate  mother  more  freely  administers 
the  breast  of  nourishment  to  her  hungry  infant,  than  the 
Lord  his  milk  and  wine  to  thirsty  souls.  Faith  works  by 
the  love  of  this  :  it  operates  upon  the  heart,  so  as  to 
produce  sincere  love  to  God  and  cheerful  obedience  to 
his  word  and  will :  but  base  unbelief,  with  a  false  humili- 
ty, raises  jealousies  and  suspicions  of  the  Lord's  rich 
love  and  free  grace.  One  says.  It  cannot  be  for  me,  I 
am  too  vile  ;  another,  I  am  unworthy  of  it.  Christ  says, 
"  whosoever  will,  let  him  come."  Rev.  22  :  17. 


366  SEPTEMBER  5. 

Sept.  5. — And  confessed  they  icere  strangers  and  pilgrims  on 
the  earth.    Heb.  11  :  13. 

O  ye  worldly-minded  professors,  can  ye  read  this 
without  being  ashamed  and  reproved  1  What  will  bring 
a  man  to  this  confession  1  Will  sickness  and  a  near 
approach  to  death  1  O  no  :  men  return  from  the  most 
dangerous  illness  to  greater  love  of  the  world  and  more 
ardent  pursuit  after  it.  Look  at  a  dying  worldling ;  see 
him,  like  a  drowning  man,  clenching  the  faster  what  he 
has  grasped  for  his  hope  and  help.  Men  not  only  live 
fools,  but  die  fools  too  :  their  senses  beguile  them  j  their 
reason  befools  them  j  they  reject  the  plainest  truths 
before  them. 

Nothing  will  kill  the  love  of  a  bewitching  world,  in  a 
deceitful  heart,  but  the  view  of  heaven  by  faith:  no 
man  will  confess  himself  a  stranger  to  thew^orld  and  a 
pilgrim  on  the  earth,  until  he  sees  himself  "  a  fellow- 
citizen  with  the  saints  and  of  the  household  of  God." 
Eph.  2  :  19.  Admire  those  ancient  heroes  of  faith :  view 
and  imitate  their  conduct. 

What  caused  this  confession  \  They  had  not  receiv- 
ed the  promises  :  the  Messiah  was  not  then  come  from 
heaven  with  all  the  inestimable  blessings  of  his  king 
dom  ;  yet  they  believed  in  him,  looked  to  him,  and  lived, 
by  faith,  upon  him  as  promised.  Though  they  saw  the 
precious  promises  afar  off,  yet  they  were  realized  to 
their  hearts  by  faith;  the  distance  of  them  did  not  wea- 
ken their  confidence  in  their  real  existence  ;  faith 
brought  them  nigh  to  their  minds.  They  were  persuad- 
ed of  them,  and  embraced  them ;  they  clung  to  the 
promises  of  God  as  the  chief  delight  and  greatest  joy 
of  their  souls. 

Worldly  men  cry,  ''  O,  faith  is  to  do  all  for  you  !"  No, 
not  so  :  Christ  has  done  all  for  us ;  by  faith  we  enjoy  all 
the  comfort  of  it :  hence  we  become  followers  of  Christ: 
"  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth,"  and  travellers  to 


SEPTEMBER  6.  367 

our  Father^s  kingdom.  Have  you  had  no  mark  of  disap- 
probation from  carnal  men  1  Do  they  see  nothing  in 
you  to  which  they  object  1  Then  you  have  great  reason 
to  question  whether  you  are  a  real  follower  of  a  despis- 
ed, crucified  Lord:  the  world  will  love  its  own.  Are 
you  striving  to  keep  both  God  and  the  world  X  Of  all 
men  upon  earth,  you  are  most  to  be  pitied,  for  you  will 
be  most  miserable  :  most  joyful  to  say,  I  am  ''  a  stranger 
and  a  sojourner,  as  all  my  fathers  were."  Psalm,  39  :  12. 


Sept.  6. — But  noiv,  in  Christ  Jesus,  ye,  who  sotneiimes  ivere  faf 
qffy  are  made  nigh  iy  the  Mood  of  Christ.    Ephes.  2  :  13. 

If  one  was  asked,  '^  Do  you  live  near  the  court  1  Have 
you  free  access  to  the  king  V  who  would  hesitate  one 
moment  for  an  answer  \  Consciousness  would  instantly 
dictate  one.  Pray,  is  christian  experience  so  dark  and 
doubtful  a  matter,  that,  if  one  asked,  "  Are  you  brought 
nigh  to  God  %  Do  you  live  near  God  \  Have  you  free 
access  to  God  '("  we  cannot  answer  with  some  degree 
of  knowledge  and  certainty  1  O  my  dear  fellow-chris- 
tians,  though  we  are  brought  nigh  to  God,  yet  we  do  not 
live  near  him :  hence  our  doubt  and  uncertainty  :  our 
hearts  and  affections  rove  upon  the  high  roads  of  earth- 
ly honor,  riches,  or  pleasures  :  here  clouds  of  dust  arise, 
which  so  dim  our  sight  and  obscure  our  views  that  we 
can  hardly  see  our  way  or  tell  where  we  are. 

Here  we  are  remyided  that  we  "  sometimes  were /ar 
offy  Awful  distance  !  As  far  as  possible  from  God,  be- 
cause so  far  from  original  righteousness.  Naturally  we 
have  no  desire  to  draw  nigh  to  him  :  nay,  Satan  had  pos- 
session of  us,  ruled  in  and  reigned  over  us :  we  loved 
our  master,  hated  our  God,  and  delighted  in  our  distance 
from  him.  O  be  covered  with  shame,  be  clothed  with 
humility,  yet  lift  up  your  head  with  joy.   For 

We  are  brought  nigh  to  God,    O,  says  one,  I  wish  I 


368  SEPTEMBER  7. 

Avas  sure  of  this.  It  is  true  in  the  word,  that  sinners  are 
brought  nigh  to  God  :  you  can  only  know  this  for  your- 
seh'  by  experience.  Consider,  then,  how  we  are  brought 
nigh.  By  the  blood  of  Christ :  by  faith  in  him  we  are  re- 
conciled to  God,  justified  before  God,  and  at  peace 
with  God. 

If  you  are  brought  nigh  to  God,  Christ  is  precious  to 
you  J  your  heart  is  towards  him  j  your  hope  is  fixed  on 
him.  His  blood  is  highly  prized  by  you  :  you  look  to  his 
atonement  for  the  pardon  of  your  sins,  to  cleanse  your 
conscience  from  guilt,  and  to  bring  peace  to  your  soul. 
You  delight  to  draw  nigh  to  God,  making  his  blood  and 
righteousness  your  only  plea  for  salvation.  And  you 
will  live  near  to  God  in  love,  and  walk  before  him  in 
holiness :  you  will  hate  the  things  you  once  loved,  and 
love  the  things  you  once  hated  j  in  this  way  only  can 
you  enjoy  fellowship  and  peace  with  God,  comfort  from 
God,  and  assurance  that  you  are  a  child  of  God.  Says 
Christ,  "  If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments,"  and 
the  Comforter  shall  ^'  abide  with  you  for  ever."  John, 
14^  :  15,  16. 


vSept.  7. — As  for  me,  1  will  call  upon  God,  and  the  Lord  shall 
save  me.    Psalm  55  :  16. 

I  have  been  often  struck  with  the  conduct  of  blind 
Bartimeus  :  when  ''  many  charged  him  to  hold  his  peace, 
he  cried  the  more  a  great  deal,  Thou  Son  of  David,  have 
mercy  on  me."  Mark,  10  :  48.  W]iy  was  this^.  Truly 
he  had  a  deep  sense  of  his  loss  of  sight,  and  by  faith  he 
saw  Jesus  able  to  restore  it.  See  the  consequence  of 
this  importunate  cry.  Did  the  sun  stand  still  at  the  word 
of  Joshua  1  Behold,  at  the  cry  of  Bartimeus  the  Lord 
and  Creator  of  all  the  host  of  heaven  stood  still.  Jesus 
knows  the  cry  of  his  own  Spirit ;  he  will  hear  it,  and 
help  the  soul  that  utters  it :  "  His  ears  are  open  to  our 
prayers."   1  Pet.  3  :  12. 


SEPTEMBER  7.  369 

Look  at  David's  circumstances  :  was  he  now  on  the 
mount  of  joy,  basking  in  the  sunbeams  of  comfort  %  No  ; 
he  is  sighing  out  a  doleful  complaint  in  the  vale  of  dis- 
tress :  "  I  mourn  because  of  the  voice  of  the  enemy  and 
the  oppression  of  the  wicked ;  my  heart  is  sore  pained 
within  me,  and  the  terrors  of  death  are  fallen  upon  me  ; 
fearfulness  and  trembling  are  come  upon  me,  and  horror 
hath  overwhelmed  me."  Psalm  55  :  3-5. 

What  is  his  resolution  %  Does  he  give  up  hope  in  his 
God'?  Does  he  floe  his  presence  and  seek  for  comfort 
in  the  world,  from  its  vain  pleasures,  sensual  delights, 
and  from  worldly  men  1  No  ;  "  /  will  call  ujjon  God^ 
Here  is  a  lesson  of  instruction  for  us  :  the  more  fears, 
terrors,  pains,  and  oppression  beset  us,  the  more  should 
they  impel  us  to  call  upon  God ,  seek  to  no  object  but 
God  for  relief;  remember  that  there  is  not  one  of  them 
but  is  by  his  appointment  or  permission ;  that  they  are 
calls  from  God  to  us  to  call  upon  him ,  and  tHat  when 
they  bring  us  to  God  his  loving  v/ill  is  answered.  He  will 
not  suffer  his  dear  people  to  live  at  a  distance  from  him 
without  calling  upon  him  ;  he  loves  their  souls;  he  de- 
lights in  their  prayers;  and  his  comforts  delight  them. 
Psalm  94  :  19.    Can  you  say  so  1 

Then  you  may  confidently  take  up  David's  conclusion  ; 
"  The  Lord  shall  save  me."  Is  not  this  too  bold  1  Yes, 
if  founded  upon  any  thing  in  yourself  as  the  cause  why 
God  should  save  you,  it  is  daring  presumption  ;  but, 
from  the  Lord's  absolute  declarations,  full  and  free  pro- 
mises given  us  in  Christ,  we  are  divinely  warranted  thus 
to  conclude.  O  then  take  and  prize  the  Lord's  word  as 
your  blessed  charter  of  salvation  ;  plead  before  him  ;  ex- 
pect all  salvation  from  him,  even  victory  over  all  sin, 
deliverance  from  every  trouble,  the  comfort  of  holiness 
here,  and  the  joys  of  glory  in  eternity,  "  All  are  yours, 
and  ye  are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's-."  1  Cor.  3  :  23, 
16* 


370  SEPTEMBER  8. 

Sept.  8. — To  them  who  have  ohtainedlike  precious  faith  with  us 
through  the  righteousness  of  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.    2  Pet.  1:1. 

There  may  be  strong  faith  where  there  is  no  true  faith: 
persons  may  pretend  to  have  the  assurance  of  faith,  may 
believe  that  their  sins  are  forgiven,  without  one  grain  of 
"  precious  faith."  Who  believes  more  than  a  deist  does  % 
he  believes  he  has  wisdom  to  guide  and  power  to  save 
himself,  without  either  the  word  or  the  grace  of  God. 
Who  has  stronger  faith  than  the  self-righteous  Pharisee 
had  1  He  believed  he  had  a  right  to  go  to  God,  to  plead 
his  works  before  God,  and  to  assure  his  heart  that  he 
was  accepted  of  God  :  he  wanted  no  righteousness  from 
God.  This  is  just  such  a  faith  as  all  unregenerate  men 
have.  It  is  not  a  precious  faith ;  it  is  not  obtained 
through  the  precious  righteousness  of  Christ ;  it  doth 
not  make  his  glorious  person  and  everlasting  righteous- 
ness precious  to  the  heart ;  it  does  not  cause  such  to 
renounce  the  filthy  rags  of  their  own  righteousness,  and 
to  delight  in  God,  as  justifying  the  ungodly  through  the 
righteousness  of  Christ,  and  sanctifying  the  unholy 
through  the  Spirit  of  his  grace. 

That  faith  is  ever  to  be  suspected,  as  only  a  rank  weed 
which  grows  in  the  corrupt  soil  of  human  nature,  the 
possessors  of  which  do  not  see  the  evil  of  sin  which  is 
in  them,  the  curse  it  has  brought  upon  them,  and  that 
nothing  can  relieve  their  conscience,  support  their  mind, 
bring  hope  to  their  heart  and  joy  to  their  spirits,  but  the 
one  spotless  righteousness  of  Christ,  in  which  sinners 
stand  perfectly  justified  before  God.  He  who  dares 
open  his  mouth  in  objections  against  justification  and 
sanctification  solely  by  His  righteousness,  gives  fearful 
evidence  that  so  far  from  having  obtained  "  like  precious 
faith"  with  the  apostles,  his  heart  is  not  yet  convinced 
of  sin. 

"  Precious  faith  "  will  show  itself  by  its  fruits  inward 


SEPTEMBER  9.  371 

as  well  as  outward :  the  heart  will  bow  to  God's  sove- 
reign will,  receive  his  doctrines  of  grace,  in  the  love  of 
them,  and  not  carp  and  cavil  against  them  ;  it  will  glory 
that  salvation,  from  first  to  last,  is  not  of  works,  but  of 
grace  5  and  it  will  experience,  that  "  the  grace  of  God 
which  bringeth  salvation,"  most  sweetly  and  powerful- 
ly teaches  to  ''  deny  all  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts, 
and  to  live  soberly,  righteously  and  godly  in  this  pre- 
sent evil  world."  Most  sweetly  says  one,  '^  Surely  there 
can  be  no  greater  honor  to  Christ  than  this  :  in  the  sense 
of  sin,  wants,  stains  and  blemishes,  to  wrap  ourselves 
in  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  with  boldness  to  go, 
clothed  in  his  heavenly  garments,  to  the  throne  of  grace." 
This  is  the  glory  of  faith.     Lord,  grant  it  may  be  ours. 


Sept.  9. — Lord,  be  merciful  iinCo  me  :  heal  my  soul ;  for  I  have 
si7i?ied  against  thee.  Psalm  41  :  4. 

Is  this  the  language  of  a  saint  1  Was  David  a  saint 
when  he  uttered  it  1  Yes,  he  was  a  holy  man  of  God  : 
this  confession  and  prayer  show  it :  his  heart  was  not 
hardened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin,  nor  blinded 
by  self-righteous  pride,  so  as  to  say,  '^  I  have  no  sin." 
Self-righteous  hearts  cannot  consent  that  all  the  Lord's 
saints  are  yet  in  themselves  miserable  sinners  ;  that  they 
see  daily  need  to  confess  this,  and  to  sue  for  mercy  and 
healing  from  the  Lord.  Here  is  a  confession,  a  plea,  and 
a  prayer. 

A  co7ifession — ^^  I  have  sinned  against  thee."  Thus 
we  must  come  and  confess  to  the  Lord  to-day,  to-mor- 
row, and  every  day,  till  the  sun  of  life  sets.  Sense  of 
sin,  whether  now  contracted  or  long  since  committed, 
abides  with  us ;  it  wounds  and  pains  a  gracious  soul. 
Here  grace  discovers  itself:  that  soul  waits  not  for  time 
to  efface  the  memory  of  sin,  nor  strives  to  stifle  convic- 
tions for  it,  but  goes  humbly  to  the  Lord  and  confesses 


372  SEPTEMBER  10. 

it,  with  all  its  aggravations,  and  with  this  above  all 
others,  Lord^  "  against  thee  have  I  sinned."  0  may  my 
soul  never,  never  lose  this  conviction,  that  every  sin  is 
against  thee,  my  Lord  and  loving  Father ;  thee,  my 
Lord  and  precious  Redeemer  ;  thee,  my  Lord  and  gra- 
cious Comforter :  this  makes  sin  exceeding  sinful,  while 
it  magnifies  the  super-abounding  riches  of  grace,  in  re- 
ceiving sinners,  and  in  pardoning  sin. 

Consider  the  plea  :  it  is  not  the  pharisee's  parade  : 
Lord,  I  have  done  this  and  that,  or  I  have  done  so  and 
so  :  Lord,  I  have  been  faithful  to  thy  grace,  I  am  not  so 
bad  as  others :  no  !  but  it  is  the  publican's  plea :  ''  Lord, 
be  merciful  to  me,"  to  me  a  vile  sinner,  who  have  done 
nothing  to  deserve  tby  favor,  yet  plead  thy  mercy  pro- 
mised to  sinners  in  Christ  Jesus  :  thou  canst  be  just  and 
yet  justify  the  ungodly  who  believe  in  Jesus. 

Therefore  his  prayer  is,  "  heal  my  soul."  No  prayers, 
no  tears,  no  duties  of  mine  can  heal  my  soul ;  no,  my 
best  works  are  stained  with  pollution,  my  holiest  duties 
are  mixed  with  sin  :  nothing  but  the  blood  of  the  Lamb 
can  bring  pardon  to  my  heart,  peace  to  my  conscience, 
and  healing  to  my  soul.  "  The  Lord  will  speak  peace 
unto  his  people  and  his  saints."  Psalm  85  :  8.  For,  O 
precious  words  !  he  assures  us,  '^  all  manner  of  sin  and 
blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men."    Matt.  12  :  31. 


Sept.  10. — Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and  gladness  for 
the  upright  in  heart.  Psalm  97  :  11. 
He  who  never  doubts  his  sincerity  to  God  has  great 
reason  to  suspect  his  knowledge  of  himself.  A  hypo- 
crite cannot  be  a  christian  ;  yet  there  is  hypocrisy  in 
the  fallen  nature  of  every  christian.  Such  are  ever 
suspecting  themselves.  At  times  they  fear  lest  they 
should  turn  out  mere  hypocrites  at  last :  this  is  a  proof 
that  their  hearts  are  upright  with  Christ :  their  fears  and 


SEPTEMBER  10.  373 

suspicions  are  a  blessed  means  of  keeping  them  from 
falling  away  from  him.  Righteous  souls  pass  through 
many  dark  hours :  sometimes  they  are  put  to  a  stand, 
ready  to  question  if  they  have  any  interest  in  Christ ; 
for  they  have  a  nature  in  which  dwells  every  evil  which 
wars  against  God,  and  the  peace,  holiness,  and  comfort 
of  their  souls :  hence  they  are  sometimes  in  seasons  of 
darkness  j  they  see  not  things  in  the  light  of  truth  ;  they 
enjoy  not  the  comfort  of  the  truth,  that  they  are  righ- 
teous in  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  2  Cor.  5  :21,  and 
made  upright  by  his  grace. 

Upright  souls  mourn  in  darkness,  and  desire  ever  to 
walk  in  the  light ;  yes,  says  St.  Peter,  ye  ''  greatly  re- 
joice "  in  the  salvation  of  Jesus,  '^  though  now  for  a 
season  (if  need  be)  ye  are  in  heaviness  through  mani- 
fold temptations."  If  need  be  !  O,  what  need  can  there 
be  1  He  tells  .us,  ''  that  the  trial  of  your  faith  might  be 
found  unto  praise,  and  honor,  and  glory,  at  the  appear- 
ing of  Jesus  Christ."  1  Pet.  1 :  6,  7.  Tried  faith  is  true 
faith.  True  faith  stands  the  fire  of  temptation  j  trusts 
Christ  in  heaviness  ;  stays  upon  him  in  darkness  ;  for 
at  all  times,  in  all  seasons,  under  all  circumstances, 
light  and  gladness  are  sown  for  you,  and  in  due  season 
shall  spring  up  in  you.  Where  are  they  sown  %  Where 
every  covenant  blessing  is  reaped  :  in  Jesus,  the  surety 
of  the  covenant.  Heb.  7 :  22.  All  natural  light  flows 
from  the  sun  :  all  spiritual  light  flows  from  Christ,  the 
Sun  of  righteousness,  who  saith,  "  I  am  the  light  of  the 
world  :  he  that  followeth  me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness, 
but  shall  have  the  light  of  life."  John,  8  :  12. 

Is  light  sown  in  Christ  for  us  1  Let  us  with  David 
claim  in  faith,  "  the  Lord  is  my  light,  and  my  salvation." 
Psalm  27  :  1.  Does  gladness  of  heart  spring  from  Christ  1 
Then  say,  "  My  meditations  of  him  shall  be  sweet,  I 
will  be  glad  in  the  Lord."  Psalm  104  :  34.  Thus  faith  is 
tried  and  proved  in  the  darkest  hour :  thus  it  manifests 


374.  SEPTEMBER  11. 

itself  to  be  the  faith  of  God's  elect ;  for  it  cleaves  to 
Jesus,  God's  "  elect,  in  whom  God's  soul  delighteth.'* 
Isaiah,  42:  1. 


Sept.  11. — But  that  ori  the  good  ground,  are  they,  which  in  an 
honest  and  good  heart,  having  heard  the  word,  keep  it,  and 
bring  forth  fruit  with  patience.     Luke,  8  :  15. 

Disciple,  tread  warily  on  this  good  ground :  speak 
cautiously  about  it,  lest  thy  soul  be  lifted  up,  and  thou 
shouldst  say,  I  made  myself  to  differ  ;  my  nature  is  bet- 
ter to  receive  the  seed,  and  my  heart  more  honest  and 
good  to  retain  it  than  others.  Know  thyself  by  nature 
upon  a  level  with  way-side,  stony  ground,  and  thorny 
hearers.  See  what  is  predicted  of  those  who  ''  having 
heard  the  word,  keep  it."  Let  us  examine  if  we  are  of 
the  happy  number :  if  so,  let  us  fall  down  in  humility 
and  cry,  What  hath  God  wrought !  Let  us  give  all  the 
glory  to  the  God  of  all  grace  ! 

^'  That  on  good  ground."  It  is  made  good  by  the  labor 
of  the  husbandman  ;  tilled,  cultivated,  and  made  fit  to 
receive  the  seed,  by  the  grace  of  the  Spirit,  ''  in  an 
honest  and  good  heart."  No  man  has  such  a  heart  natu- 
rally :  the  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  despe- 
rately wicked  ;  see  the  accursed  weeds  it  brings  forth  : 
^'  Out  of  the  heart  proceedeth  evil  thoughts,  murders, 
adulteries,"  &c.  Mark,  7  :  21.  Such  a  heart  as  this  can 
neither  receive  nor  retain  the  seed  of  the  kingdom,  so 
as  to  bring  forth  fruit  unto  perfection.  "  A  new  heart," 
saith  the  Lord,  ''  will  I  give  you."  Ezek.  36  :  26.  Pre- 
cious promise  !  This  is  that  good  and  honest  heart. 
Hath  the  Lord  given  it  thee  1     If  so. 

You  will  "  hear  the  word  and  keep  it."  It  takes  root 
downward.  Thou  hast  and  dost  retain  an  abiding  sense 
of  thy  own  vileness,  poverty,  and  wretchedness  ;  thou 
wilt  be  rooted  and  grounded  in  the  love  of  Christ,  know- 


SEPTEMBER  12.  375 

ing  that  in  him  thou  art  rich,  righteous,  and  happy.  As 
the  word  made  thee  thus  wise  and  happy,  thou  wilt  keep 
it,  ponder  it  in  thine  heart,  meditate  upon  it  day  and 
night :  it  will  be  dear  and  precious  to  thy  soul.  This  is 
an  evidence  of  a  good  and  honest  heart ;  it  delights  in 
the  good  news  of  the  word  of  grace,  the  faithful  prom- 
ises of  a  covenant  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Such  "  bring  forth  fruit  with  patience."  Because  they 
keep  the  word  in  their  hearts,  they  go  on  patient  in 
well-doing,  and  patient  in  suffering  the  will  of  God. 
Says  David,  '^Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  my  heart."  To 
what  end  1  '^  That  I  might  not  sin  against  thee."  Psalm 
119:11.  Says  Paul,  ''The  word  of  the  truth  of  the 
Gospel  bringeth  forth  fruit  in  you,  since  the  day  ye 
heard  of  it,  and  knew  the  grace  of  God  in  truth."  Col. 
1:5,6.  That  soul  in  whose  heart  the  word  of  grace 
takes  the  deepest  root,  brings  forth  most  fruit  to  God. 
O  soul,  wouldst  thou  be  more  holy  and  more  happy  1 
Keep  the  word  of  God  :  study  it :  that  directs  thee  to 
Christ,  in  whom  all  thy  happiness  centres,  and  from 
whom  all  thy  holiness  springs. 

Sept.  12. — Unto  Him  that  loved  us,  and  ivashed  us  from  our 
sins  in  his  own  Mood.     Rev.  1  :  5. 

Paul  denounces  the  most  dreadful  curse  upon  every 
one  who  loves  not  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  1  Cor.  16  :  22. 
Why  does  any  sinner  love  Christ  %  "  We  love  him  be- 
cause he  first  loved  us."  See  the  awful  curses  of  unbe- 
lief: it  rejects  the  love  of  Christ ;  it  sets  at  nought  his 
salvation ;  it  seals  the  sinner  under  the  curse,  the  wrath 
due  to  his  sins  ;  and  binds  him  over  to  eternal  damna- 
tion. But  the  unawakened  sinner  smiles  at  all  this ;  for 
he  does  not  believe  it.  Lord,  leave  not  my  soul  under 
this  sin  of  sins,  of  all  sins  the  most  heinous  and  ac- 
cursed. O  help  my  unbelief. 

See  the  preciousness  of  faith :  it  works  by  love,  even 


376  SEPTEMBER  13. 

by  the  love  of  Christ  manifested  to  us  ;  it  receives  and 
takes  home  his  love  to  the  heart ;  there  it  works  peace 
in  the  conscience,  delight  in  God,  access  to  God,  bold- 
ness before  God,  joy  in  God,  fellowship  with  God,  con- 
formity to  God,  and  longing  for  eternal  enjoyment  of 
God. 

Our  sins,  which  are  the  cause  of  separation  and  dis- 
tance from  God,  are  washed  away.  How  1  By  Christ's 
own  blood.  0  wonderful  to  think  !  O  joyful  to  believe  ! 
The  holy  Son  of  God  has  washed  us — us  unholy,  un- 
godly, hell-deserving  sinners,  from  our  sins  in  his  own 
blood  :  this  precious,  this  mighty  Redeemer  hath  once 
appeared,  for  ever  to  put  away  our  sins  by  the  sacrifice 
of  himself.  Heb.  9  :  26.  What  says  his  Father  of  him  1 
''  In  my  beloved  Son  I  am  well  pleased."  Matt.  3  :  17. 
What  saith  he  of  us  1  "  Your  sins  and  iniquities  will  I 
remember  no  more."  Heb.  10  :  17.  What  say  you  1  Is 
all  this  true  ]  Is  all  this  fact,or  fable  1  Upon  our  belief 
of  this  depends  our  comfort  and  holiness  ;  and  from  the 
faith  of  this  springs  glory  to  God  in  the  highest. 

If  we  firmly  believe  this,  we  shall  joyfully  join  the 
redeemed  in  earth  and  heaven,  in  giving  praise  and 
glory  to  Christ  for  washing  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own 
blood.  But  you  say,  I  have  sin  in  me,  I  mourn  over  it, 
and  groan  under  it— the  sense  of  this  is  needful  to  keep 
you  humble  before  Christ :  yet  faith  is  above  sense ;  it 
glorifies  Christ  for  washing  away  from  before  God's 
sight  the  very  sins  you  feel.  You  have  the  sense  of  fear 
that  you  shall  perish  for  your  sins  :  this  is  a  holy  fear; 
this  keeps  you  from  sinning.  But  faith  says,  "  There 
is  no  condemnation  to  them  who  are  in  Christ  Jesus." 
Romans,  8:1. 


Sept.  13. — Arid    hath  made    us   kings  and  priests  unto  God 
and  his  Father.    Rev.  1  :  6. 
Christ  has  done  a  great  work  for  us  :  but  does  he  only 


SEPTEMBER  13.  377 

call  us  to  believe  it,  and  then  leave  us  just  as  we  were, 
under  the  dominion  of  sin,  Satan,  and  the  world  1  No  ; 
he  not  only  washes  us  from  our  sins,  which  he  hates, 
in  his  blood  ;  but  he  also  dignifies  our  person,  which 
he  loves,  by  his  power. 

"  Hail,  Jesus,  lavish  of  strange  gifts  to  man  ! 

"  Thine  all  the  glory;  man's  the  boundless  bliss." 

0  miracle  of  grace  !  Christ  ^^  hath  made  us  kings  and 
priests."  Kings^  to  rule  over  sin,  the  world,  death  and 
hell.  Sin  brought  death  into  the  world  :  death  reigned 
over  all  that  sinned :  but, "they  who  receive  abundance 
of  grace  and  of  the  gift  of  righteousness,  shall  reign  in 
life,  by  one  Jesus  Christ."  Rom.  5  :  17.  0  believer,  do 
you  forget  your  regal  dignity'?  Then  you  do  not  honor 
as  you  ought  your  Ki7ig  of  kings.  Consider,  you  are 
made  a  king  to  reign  in  life  ;  a  spiritual  life  over  all 
that  is  earthly,  sensual,  and  devilish.  Do  you  say,  how 
can  I  reign  over  sin  who  am  the  subject  of  sin  1  "  Sin 
shall  not  have  dominion  over  you,  because  you  are  not 
under  the  law,  but  under  grace."  Romans,  6  :  14.  An 
earthly  monarch  may  have  many  treacherous  and  rebel- 
lious subjects  who  envy  him  and  would  dethrone  him  ; 
still,  in  spite  of  all,  he  may  keep  his  throne  :  so  do  you 
over  all  rebel  lusts  and  traitorous  dispositions;  for 
Christ  is  king  over  you  :  you  reign  by  his  power,  you 
are  a  king  unto  God  :  you  reign  to  his  glory. 

"  Hath  made  us  priests.''^  The  priest  under  the  law 
offered  gifts  and  sacrifices  according  to  the  law  :  under 
the  Gospel  we  are  '^  a  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up 
spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God  by  Jesus  Christ," 
1  Pet.  2  :  5,  even  those  of  '^  a  broken  heart  and  contrite 
spirit :"  our  bodies  and  souls,  time  and  talents,  prayers 
and  praises,  yea,  to  sacrifice  ourselves,  our  love  of  the 
world,  our  pride,  all  our  carnal  reason  and  self-righ- 
teousness, all  and  every  thing  which  is  contrary  to  our 
Lord's  will  and  glory;  for  as  Christ  our  High  Priest  has 


378         .  SEPTEMBER  14. 

offered  up  himself  to  God  for  us,  so  we  are  to  offer  up 
ourselves  to  God  by  him. 

O  believer,  study  more  and  more  your  regal  dignity 
and  royal  priesthood.  Will  an  earthly  monarch  so  de- 
grade and  demean  himself  as  to  be  the  companion  and 
gratify  the  wishes  of  traitors  and  rebels'!  Will  any 
christian  priest  sacrifice  to  heathen  idols'?  0,  when  thy 
sins  rebel  and  Satan  tempts,  consider,  Christ  hath  made 
me  a  king  to  reign  over  them.  When  worldly  vanities 
allure,  remember,  Christ  hath  made  me  a  priest  to  sacri- 
fice them  to  his  honor  and  glory. 


Sept.  14. —  Then  is  the  offence  of  the  cross  ceased.  Gal.  5  :  11. 

Another  version  reads  the  words  as  a  question,  ''  Is 
the  offence  of  the  cross  ceased  1"  No,  nor  ever  will 
while  there  is  a  christian  upon  the  earth.  The  cross  is 
put  for  that  ever  loving  Jesus,  who  hung  upon  it  as  a 
curse  for  our  souls  and  an  atonement  for  our  sins.  O, 
let  us  be  ever  zealous  for  the  glory  of  the  cross,  for  the 
sake  of  the  Lamb,  who  finished  our  salvatioi\  upon  it. 
The  cross  of  Christ  is  the  christian's  glory :  the  offence 
the  world  takes  at  him,  is  but  the  natural  result  of  his 
having  taken  up  the  cross  of  Christ  and  followed  him. 
This  no  man  can  do  faithfully,  but  he  must  give  offence. 
Settle  this  well  in  your  mind  :  sit  down  and  count  the 
cost.  Are  you  willing  to  be  Christ's  glory  and  the 
world's  scorn  % 

Do  you  expect  all  from  the  cross  1  Then  give  up  all 
for  the  cross.  Here  nature  recoils,  flesh  and  blood  rebels, 
carnal  reason  pleads  that  worldly  prudence  may  be  con- 
sulted :  ''  Look  at  such  and  such  a  professor  ;  they  go  on 
very  quietly  ;  the  world  takes  no  offence  at  them."  But 
why  is  it  \  Are  they  not  either  quite  dead  in  sin,  or  fallen 
into  a  deep  sleep  of  security  \  Converse  with  them  : 
you  will  perhaps  find   no  sweet   savor  of  Jesus  upon 


SEPTEMBER  15.  379 

their  tongue,  no  warm  affections  to  Christ  in  their 
hearts,  no  burning  zeal  for  his  glory  in  their  lives  : 
hence,  as  the  offence  of  the  cross  is  ceased  with  them, 
so  the  peace,  comfort  and  joy  of  it  is  departed  from 
them.  For  the  truth  of  this  I  dare  appeal  to  my  own  and 
every  disciple's  heart.  When  was  your  soul  most  active 
for  God,  most  filled  with  his  love  ;  enjoying  most  fellow- 
ship with  him,  and  peace  and  comfort  in  him  1  Was  it 
not  when  you  lived  nearest  to  the  cross,  and  found  most 
of  the  offence  of  the  cross  of  Christ  1 

Holy  Paul  seemed  to  dread  the  offence  of  the  cross 
of  Christ  ceasing.  He  was  jealous  lest  any  should  ques- 
tion it.  Lord  Jesus,  hast  thou  done  so  much  in  thy  holy 
life,  and  suffered  so  much  by  thy  precious  death  on  the 
cross  for  our  eternal  salvation,  and  shall  we  be  ashamed 
of  thy  cross  1  Shall  we  be  afraid  of  confessing  the  faith 
of  our  hearts  and  the  hope  of  our  soals  in  thee,  with 
our  lips  and  in  our  lives  1  O,  forbid  it !  Never  shall  I  for- 
get my  late  dear  friend.  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  when  with  his 
usual  warmth  of  affection  to  Christ,  preaching  upon  the 
scandal  of  the  cross  :  "  My  dear  friends,  (said  he)  you 
who  are  afraid  to  lose  your  good  name  for  Christ's  sake, 
I  pity  you  from  my  heaft.  Thank  God,  my  fear  of  this 
is  gone  long  ago."  "  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory, 
save  in  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ."   Gal.  6  :  14. 


Sept.  15. — The  righteous  is  taken  awaij  from  the  evil.  Isa.  57  : 1. 

•  Why  then  do  we  not  rejoice  over  the  dead,  who  die 
in  the  Lordl  Why  do  we,  who  profess  to  be  in  the 
Lord,  fear  to  die  1  Death  will  be  the  funeral  of  all  our 
evils,  and  the  resurrection  of  all  our  joys.  Why  then  do 
we  dread  it  1  Why  so  reluctant  to  be  taken  from  the 
many  evils  we  suffer  here  ]  Why  not  rather  lono-ino-  to 
be  for  ever  with  the  Lord  %  Plainly,  it  is  for  want  of 
faith  j  the  point  is  not  fully  settled  between  our  Saviour 


3S0  SEPEMBER  15. 

and  our  souls  whether  we  are  his  members  or  not,  and 
hence  we  do  not  walk  closely  and  joyfully  with  him, 
and  then  the  fear  of  death  prevails  over  us.  All  true  be- 
lievers are  living  members  of  Christ,  united  to  him,  and 
one  with  him.  The  righteousness  of  Christ  is  theirs  : 
they  are  clothed  with  it,  and  stand  justified  before  God. 
Hence  the  Holy  Spirit  is  given  to  us :  he  enables  us  to 
walk  in  the  paths  of  righteousness,  and  to  bring  forth 
the  fruits  of  righteousness  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ, 
to  the  glory  of  God.  Phil.  1:11. 

See  the  blessedness  of  the  righteous  :  they  are  "  taken 
away  from  the  evil."  The  Lord  doeth  this  for  them  be- 
cause he  loves  them.  The  words  to  eome  are  not  in  the 
original.  They  are  taken  from  all  present  evil.  They 
are  taken  from  an  evil  nature  :  this  is  the  grief  and  bur- 
den of  their  righteous  souls  from  day  to  day ;  but  the 
death  of  the  body  shall  quite  destroy  the  body  of  sin  and 
death ;  they  shall  drop  this  body,  and  wing  their  way  to 
endless  glory. 

They  are  taken  from  the  evil  of  sin  :  though  this  did 
not  reign  over  them,  yet  it  raged  in  them ;  though  they 
were  not  under  its  dominion,  yet  it  warred  in  their 
members  and  made  them  cry  out,  Oh  WTctched !  Sin 
brought  death  into  the  world :  death  shall  be  the  grave 
of  sin  :  the  righteous  is  not  taken  away  in  his  sins,  but 
from  the  evil  of  them.  They  are  taken  from  that  evil 
of  evils,  unbelief:  this  now  dishonors  God,  causes 
weak  hands  and  dejected  hearts  ;  but  in  death  w^e  shall 
part  with  it  for  ever.  From  all  the  evil  of  this  present 
world:  from  all  pains,  trials,  and  afflictions,  of  whatever 
kind,  we  shall  be  for  ever  delivered.  This  is  the  negative 
blessedness  of  the  righteous.  Who  shall  describe  their 
positive  happiness  ?  It  hath  not  entered  into  the  heart 
of  man  to  conceive  what  the  Lord  hath  prepared  for 
them  who  love  him:  this  we  must  die  fully  to  know. 
O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints. 


SEPTEMBER  16.  381 

Sept.  16. — Should  such  a  man  as  I  flee?    Neh.  6:11. 

Nehemiah  was  engaged  in  a  great  work :  his  God  was 
with  him,  and  gave  him  success :  friends  and  enemies 
united  against  him  ;  by  base  insinuation,  craft  and  strata- 
gem, they  strove  to  dishearten  and  deter  him  from  going 
on  with  God's  work.  Opposition  is  the  christian's  lot  ; 
courage  his  honor  ;  perseverance  his  jewel.  Look  at  this 
man  of  God  :  he  boldly  repels  all  fear.  Instead  of  fleeing 
from  his  work  as  advised,  he  flees  to  his  God,  and  cries, 
"  O  God,  strengthen  my  hands."  Faith  inspires  prayer  : 
prayer  brings  courage  to  the  heart :  then  he  boldly  de- 
mands. Should  such  a  man  as  I  flee  1  A  man  so  greatly 
favored,  so  highly  honored,  as  to  be  employed  by  God  to 
work  for  him  %  No  ]  I  disdain  such  mean  cowardice  :  I 
will  work  on :  it  is  God's  cause  :  let  him  order  the 
event ;  I  fear  it  not. 

Christian,  know  your  calling :  it  is  to  work  for  God : 
expect  opposition  from  within  and  without.  This  may 
call  up  fear  and  dismay;  but  consider  your  dignity; 
maintain  and  assert  it :  "  Should  such  a  man  as  I  flee '(" 
A  man  called  by  the  grace  of  Jesus  to  resist  the  devil,  to 
face  carnal  men,  to  vanquish  sin,  to  overcome  the  world, 
to  obtain  victory  over  death,  and  to  receive  a  crown  of 
righteousness  in  endless  glory :  shall  I  flee  ?  What,  I 
who  am  called  to  be  strong  in  the  grace  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus  1  O  my  soul,  put  on  Christ  and  put  off  fear  :, 
put  up  prayer  and  put  down  dread. 

From  whom  should  such  a  man  as  I  flee  1  Of  whom 
should  I  be  afraid  %  Doth  not  my  Lord  say,  '^  My  grace 
is  suflScient  for  thee,  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  thy 
weakness  V  O  Lord,  strengthen  my  heart  to  resist  Sa- 
tan, that  he  may  flee  from  me,  and  to  overcome  the  fear 
of  man,  which  is  a  snare  to  me.  I  bless  thee  for  thy 
precious  word :  strengthen  my  heart  in  the  faith  of  it : 
''Fear  not,  neither  be  faint-hearted."  Isa.  7  :  4.  "  Heark 
en  unto  me ;  fear  not  the  reproach  of  men,  neither  be 


382  SEPTEMBEFv  17 

afraid  of  their  revilings."  Isa.  51:7.  ''I,  even  I  am  he 
who  comforteth  you.  AVho  art  thou  that  thou  shouldst 
be  afraid  of  a  man  that  shall  die,  and  the  son  of  man 
which  shall  be  made  as  grass,  and  forgettest  the  Lord 
thy  Maker  1"  ''  The  Lord  God  will  help  me  :  I  shall  not 
be  confounded  :  I  have  set  my  face  like  a  flint :  I  shall 
not  be  ashamed  :  the  moth  shall  eat  up  my  adversa- 
ries."   Isa.  50  :  7. 


Sept.  17. — And  killed  the  Prince  of  Life.    Acts,  3  :  15. 

0  dreadful  effects  of  the  fall  of  man !  We  have  not 
only  become  enemies  to  God  and  rebels  against  him,  but 
are  also  so  ignorant  of  ourselves,  and  so  blind  to  our 
own  state,  that  we  do  not  see  this :  we  will  not  own  it. 
"  An  enemy  to  God!  What,  to  that  good  and  gracious 
Lord,  in  whom  I  Mive,  move,  and  have  my  being  V  I 
cannot  think  that  any  one  upon  earth  can  be  so  wicked 
as  to  be  an  enemy  to  God" — such  is  the  language  of 
blind  nature  :  thou  that  utterest  it  art  the  man.  Yea, 
such  is  the  enmity  of  thine,  of  every  man's  nature 
against  God,  that  were  it  possible,  and  in  our  power,  we 
should  kill  God.  Start  not  at  the  thought !  horrid  as  it 
is,  here  is  proof  of  it.  God  was  manifest  in  flesh.  How 
was  he  received!  How  was  he  treated  by  sinful  manl 
Let  the  annals  of  his  holy  life  speak  the  base  contempt 
•and  hellish  treatment  he  met  with  from  man:  let  the 
history  of  his  painful  and  agonizing  death  proclaim  the 
enmity  of  sinners'  hearts  against  him. 

They  killed^  whom  1  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  a  mere  man, 
mighty  in  word  and  deed  1  a  great  prophet  only  1  Infi- 
nitely more,  0  unparalleled  mystery  of  iniquity  !  0  in- 
scrutable mystery  of  godliness  !  they  killed  the  Prince 
of  Life.  Such  the  abominable  wickedness  of  human  na- 
ture, such  the  total  blindness  of  the  human  heart,  a  mur- 
derer is  preferred  to  an  innocent  man  j  a  vile  miscreant 


SEPTEMBER  18.  383 

is  spared  ;  the  Divine  Redeemer,  the  author  of  life,  is  put 
to  death.  Here,  0  soul,  behold  the  true  but  horrid  pic- 
ture of  humariv  nature :  such  its  enmity  to  God  as  to 
take  away  the  life  of  God. 

Dost  thou  think  in  thine  heart,  surely  my  nature  is 
not  so  dreadfully  wicked,  I  could  not  have  done  so  vile 
a  deedl  Thou  dost  not  yet  know  thyself  j  thy  thoughts 
proceed  from  blindness  and  ignorance  of  the  depth  of 
thy  totally  wicked  nature  :  and  as  yet  thou  seest  not  the 
amazing  heights  of  the  Lord's  love.  The  Prince  of  Life 
dies  by  the  wicked  hands  of  men.  To  what  end  1  That 
by  his  death  his  very  murderers  should  live  and  not  die 
eternally.  O  matchless  love  !  Learn,  0  my  soul,  to  fa- 
thom the  depth  of  the  enmity  of  the  human  heart  by 
the  heights  of  the  love  of  a  dying  Saviour.  Sin  has  done 
its  worst,  slain  my  Redeemer,  that  I  might  live.  Satan, 
thou  hast  wreaked  thy  hellish  wrath ;  but  thou  art  con- 
quered in  my  Saviour's  death.  Law,  thou  hast  sheathed 
thy  strongest  sting,  and  spent  the  poison  of  thy  dart  in 
the  body  of  my  God  ;  but,  glory  to  my  Prince  of  Life,  he 
lives  to  love,  and  loves  to  save :  I  am  safe.  O  may  the 
Spirit  make  this  faith  kill  legal  hopes  and  self-righteous 
confidence. 


Sept.  18. — As  ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord, 
so  walk  ye  in  him.     Col.  2 :  6. 

It  is  to  the  glory  of  the  grace  of  the  holy,  blessed, 
and  glorious  Trinity,  that  any  poor  sinner  receives 
Christ ;  and  Christ  is  the  glory  of  that  heart  which  re- 
ceives him  :  thus  there  is  a  mutual  complacency  and 
delight  between  Jehovah,  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  and 
believing  souls.  Every  one  who  believes  in  Christ  Je- 
sus has  received  Christ  as  his  Lord,  his  atonement,  his 
righteousness,  his  salvation,  as  really  as  Paul  or  any 
of  his  apostles.  God  is  alike  the  Father  of  all  such  ;  the 


384.  SEPTEMBER  18. 

Son  is  alike  the  Saviour  of  all  such,  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
is  alike  the  Sarictifier  and  Comforter  of  all  such.  0,  well 
may  the  believing  heart  crj?^  out  in  a  rapture  of  joy,  Lord, 
what  rich  grace  is  this !  What  a  glorious  privilege  am  I 
invested  with  !  What  hast  thou  wrought !  W^hat  am  I ! 
W^hy  should  Jesus  apprehend  me,  worthless  me,  that  I 
should  apprehend  him !  Lord,  what  wouldst  thou  have 
me  to  do  1 

Hear  and  obey :  Walk  ye  in  him.  What  is  meant  by 
this  ]  In  one  word,  seeing  Christ  is  yours,  enjoy  him 
more  and  more — howl  How  did  you  receive  him'?  As 
a  perishing  sinner  by  faith  :  then  so  walk  in  him.  Walk- 
ing implies  the  whole  of  a  believer's  life  :  that  his  soul 
should  be  ever  active  ;  that  the  eye  of  his  faith  should 
be  ever  looking  to,  and  his  heart  trusting  in  Christ  Jesus 
the  Lord  :  so  he  walks  comfortably,  holily,  steadily,  and 
perseveringly,  to  the  glory  of  his  Saviour. 

But  shall  we  meet  with  no  interruptions  in  thus  walk 
ing  in  Christ,  who  is  the  way  ?  Not  from  him  j  for  he  is 
a  most  smooth,  delightful  and  pleasant  way  :  only  keep 
in  him  and  you  are  sure  of  safety  j  but,  from  within  and 
from  without,  you  will  meet  with  a  crowd  of  objections 
and  interruptions  in  your  walk;  the  pride  and  lusts  of  the 
flesh  will  oppose  you  ;  Satan  will  jostle  against  and 
strive  to  impede  your  steps  ;  the  world  will  attempt  to 
seduce  you.  Be  simple  of  heart,  know  every  step  that 
you  are  as  poor  a  sinner  as  when  you  first  received 
Christ :  make  him  the  one  object  of  your  heart :  when 
you  are  ready  to  halt  at  the  sight  of  your  wickedness, 
poverty  and  vileness,  consider  him,  look  to  him,  cry  to 
him  ;  so  shall  you  renew  your  strength  :  you  shall  "  run 
and  not  be  weary,  walk  and  not  faint."  Isaiah,  40  :  31. 
You  are  just  at  your  journey's  end  ;  you  have  the  shades 
of  death  to  pass  through.  What  of  that  1  "  Though  I 
walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  I  will 
fear  no  evil,  for  thou  art  with  me."  Psalm  23  :  4. 


SEPTEMBER  19.  385 

Sept.  19. — Thy  Maker  is  thine  husha7idy  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  his 
name  ;  and  thy  Redeemer  the  Holy  One  of  Israel :  the  God 
of  the  ivhole  earth  shall  he  be  called.     Isa.  54 :  5. 

In  this  one  verse  is  a  trinity  of  comforts :  all  are  en- 
joyed in  the  unity  of  faith  :  the  Spirit  bears  witness  of 
them  :  let  our  hearts  attend  to  them.  Consider,  thou 
sin-distressed,  Satan-accused  soul,  iky  Maker  is  thine 
husband.  Glorious  Gospel ;  faith  listen,  love  awake, 
hope  rejoice.  The  triune  God  who  made  thee  hath  es- 
poused thee,  and  is  in  covenant  with  thee.  How  is  this 
relation  effected  1  God  the  Son  comes  into  the  world 
and  takes  our  nature  upon  him. 

We  are  peculiarly  espoused  to  Christ,  experimentally 
by  faith.  We  know  nothing  of  the  loving,  eternal  de- 
signs of  Christ  to  our  souls,  till  by  the  grace  of  his 
Spirit  we  are  brought  to  him,  receive  him,  and  give  him 
our  hearts  as  our  own  bridegroom  ;  then  we  feel  the 
blessings  and  enjoy  the  comfort  of  marriage  union:  we 
live  in  love;  walk  by  faith  ;  rejoice  in  hope.  0  Christ, 
make  us  and  keep  us  chaste  virgins  to  thee  ! 

Christ  is  our  Redeemer  :  he  took  our  nature,  that  in 
our  nature  he  might  redeem  us  to  God  his  Father :  he 
has  effectually  done  it  by  his  precious  blood  :  being  re- 
deemed by  him  and  married  to  him,  the  Father  owns 
the  relation,  glories  over  us  in  him,  and  the  Spirit  sanc- 
tifies and  comforts  us  in  him.  Therefore,  as  an  affec- 
tionate bride  glories  in  the  person  and  rejoices  in  the 
titles  of  her  husband,  so,  O  soul,  do  thou  in  thy  heavenly 
bridegroom. 

He  is  thy  Maker :  he  who  was  almighty  to  create,  is 
almighty  to  preserve.  He  is  the  Lord  of  hosts  :  what 
can  all  the  powers  of  earth  and  hell  do  against  him  % 
He  is  the  God  of  the  whole  earth :  the  Lord  God  omni- 
potent is  thy  Redeemer  ;  ever  glory  in  him  as  equal  to 
the  Father.     Fools  deny  this:  the  wise  unto   salvation 

S-  Treasury.  '     1 7 


386  SEPTEMBER  20. 

believe,  adore,  and  glory  in  Christ  as  such  ;  **  who  only 
hath  immortality"  to  bestow  upon  poor  sinners,  "to 
whom  be  honor  and  power  everlasting,  Amen."  1  Tim. 
6  :  16.  Ever  remember  we  are  married  to  Christ,  that  we 
should  bear  fruit  unto  God.  Rom.  7  :  4. 


Sept.   20. — Having  food   and  raiment.^  let   us  he  thereivith 
content.     1  Tim.  6  :  8. 

Man  wants  but  little  ;  that  little  not  long  ;  but  unbe- 
lief multiplies  our  wants  and  magnifies  our  discontent. 
God  rains  down  manna ;  the  people  are  delighted  with 
it,  but  are  not  content  to  trust  God  for  the  morrow's 
supply  ;  they  gather  more  than  would  serve  for  one  day  ; 
what  was  the  consequence  \  "  It  bred  worms  and  stank." 
Exod.  16  :  20.  Here  distrust  and  unbelief  prevailed,  and 
abundance  occasioned  discontent.  O  ye  rich  and  great, 
is  it  not  so  with  you  1  ? 

And  thou,  0  my  soul,  thy  pittance  is  more  than  Paul 
here  requires.  Art  thou  content  %  No  riches  without 
Christ  and  the  riches  of  his  grace  can  bring  content  to 
the  mind.  But  when  Christ  vouchsafes  to  fulfil  that 
precious  word,  Rev.  2:  17,  "  I  will  give  to  eat  of  the 
hidden  manna,"  then  we  shall  have  true  contentment, 
though  we  have  no  more  coats  than  backs,  and  but  just 
food  enough  to  satisfy  our  hunger  ;  for  faith  supplies  all : 
it  brings  the  Supplier  of  all  into  our  hearts  :  we  feed 
upon  him  by  faith.  The  supply  of  our  wants  does  not 
fix  content  in  the  mind  :  most  of  them  are  not  real,  but 
imaginary :  as  wants  increase  so  does  discontent : 

"  That  cruel  something  unpossessed 
''  Corrodes  and  leavens  all  the  rest." 

True  content  arises  from  the  mind  being  brought  to 
our  state.  Have  we  little  or  much  1  The  Lord  gave  it : 
he  sees  best  to  give  no  more.  When  his  will  is  the  law, 
the  mmd  is  content. 


SEPTEMBER  21.  387 

See  Paul's  reasons  for  content.  Look  back  to  your 
birth  :  ''  we  brought  nothing  into  the  world  5"  if  we  h^vc 
nothing,  we  have  all  we  were  born  with.  Look  forward 
to  your  death  :  "  it  is  certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out 
of  it."  Think  of  your  naked  birth  and  naked  death ;  all 
we  possess  we  shall  soon  leave  behind.  Would  you  be 
rich  1  Paul  says,  this  is  to  "  fall  into  temptation  and  a 
snare,  and  into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts  which 
drown  men  in  destruction  and  perdition  ;  for  the  love  of 
money  is  the  root  of  all  eviL"  O  for  Agur's  prayer  : 
"  give  me  not  riches."  Prov.  30  :  8. 

What  is  the  greatest  gain  1  "  Godliness  with  content- 
ment :"  having  Christ  for  your  food,  and  his  righteous- 
ness your  raiment,  this  brings  true  content  of  mind. 
One  who  had  nothing  but  bread  and  water,  cried  out  in 
an  ecstasy,  "  What,  all  this  and  Christ  too  !"  Learn  more 
to  live  by  faith  on  the  Son  of  God  :  all  God's  promises 
are  yours  in  him :  this  one  is  enough  to  silence  mur- 
murings  and  quell  the  risings  of  discontent :  ''  I  will 
never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee."    Heb.  13:5. 


Sept,  21, — I  stir  up  your  pure  minds,  ly  ivay  of  rememhrance. 
2  Peter,  3:1. 

All  the  children  of  God  have  in  some  degree  a  pure 
mind  5  many  of  them  complain  of  bad  memories  :  all  need 
to  have  their  minds  stirred  up,  and  their  memories  quick- 
ened. There  is  no  doubt  but  Peter  had  such  a  mind 
when  he  denied  his  Lord ;  but  he  seems  to  display  a 
very  treacherous  memory,  in  sadly  forgetting  himself, 
his  Lord,  and  his  words.  Forgetfulness  of  dangers  caus- 
es one  to  fall  into  them :  forgetting  our  own  weakness 
to  stand,  causes  us  to  fall. 

Consider  what  is  a  pure  mind:  that  of  which  we  are 
all  destitute  by  nature  :  our  '^  mind  and  conscience  is  de- 
filed," "  and  unbelievino-."  Tit.  1 :  15.    Our  mind  is  made 


388  SEPTEMBER  21. 

pure,  when  our  hearts  are  sprinkled  from  an  evil  or 
guilty  conscience  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  through  faith. 
Heb.  10  :  22.  So  that  a  pure  mind  is  a  believing  mind, 
which  receives  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  in  the  power 
and  purity  of  it  j  and  holds  the  mystery  of  faith  in  a  pure 
conscience. 

Such  pure  minds  need  to  be  aroused :  do  you  not  find 
it  so  day  by  day  %  Alas !  how  prone  are  we  to  neglect, 
forget,  and  let  slip  from  our  minds  the  glorious  truths 
and  precious  promises  of  our  Lord!  Then  we  grow 
weak  in  faith,  dejected  in  hope,  cold  in  love,  and  neg- 
ligent in  duty :  this  is  not  right ;  it  is  an  offence  to  our 
Lord,  and  uncomfortable  to  our  souls  j  it  is  neither  a  fit 
frame  to  live  or  to  die  in.  When  a  fire  burns  languidly, 
we  stir  it,  to  promote  flame  and  heat.  Lord,  grant  that 
our  souls  may  not  languish,  but  flame  in  love  to  thee. 

"  I  stir  up."  Could  Peter  stir  up  their  minds  %  Doubt- 
less, instrumentally.  Beware  of  that  accursed  notion 
begetting  sloth,  that  because  you  have  not  the  power  to 
do  any  spiritual  act  effectually,  you  may  therefore  ne- 
glect the  means.  Paul  calls  on  Timothy,  "  Stir  up  the 
gift  of  God  which  is  in  thee."  2  Tim.  1:6.  He  could 
use  the  means,  and  so  ought  we,  as  those  alive  to  God, 
to  use  them,  and  look  to  God's  power  to  bless  them : 
this  is  the  genuine  acting  of  a  lively  faith. 

Notice  the  manner  of  doing  this  :  "  by  way  of  remem- 
brance." Refreshing  the  memory  is  stirring  up  the  mind. 
Says  Peter,  "I  think  it  meet  as  long  as  I  am  in  this  ta- 
bernacle "  to  do  this :  we  have  all  need  of  it ;  we  ought 
also  to  stir  up  our  own  and  one  another's  mind,  by  word 
and  epistles,  of  the  everlasting  love  and  precious  promis- 
es of  God  in  Christ  to  sinners  ;  of  his  finished  salvation 
for  them  ;  the  eternal  glory  which  awaits  them,  and 
which  they  shall  soon  enjoy  in  his  kingdom.  The  Lord 
help  us  thus  to  stir  up  each  other's  minds  while  in  these 
tabernacles. 


SEPTEMBER  22.  389 

Sept.  22. — By  one  offering  Christ  hath  perfected  for  ever  them 
that  are  sanctified.  Heb,  10  :  14. 

We  have  two  remarkable  instances  of  Paul's  holy  zeal 
for  the  glory  of  his  Lord :  one  against  a  gross  sin  in  the 
church  of  Corinth,  which  brought  a  scandal  upon  the 
holy  Gospel  of  Christ ;  another  against  a  legal,  self-righ- 
teous spirit  which  obtained  in  the  church  of  Galatia  :  this 
depreciated  and  dishonored  the  finished  work  of  Christ, 
and  perverted  the  faith  of  his  members.  It  is  hard  to 
say  whether  Paul's  zeal  was  strongest  against  the  for- 
mer or  the  latter  5  hence  learn  that  profaneness  and  spi- 
ritual pride  are  equally  contrary  to  the  faith  of  the  Gos- 
pel :  as  a  holy  faith  brings  Christ  and  his  salvation  into 
the  heart,  it  casts  out  the  love  of  sin  as  well  as  self-righ- 
teous hopes. 

Here  is  a  glorious  truth  for  precious  faith  to  fix  upon 
O  that,  through  the  Spirit,  it  may  bring  joy  and  peace  to 
our  souls.  Consider  who  are  said  to  be  "sanctified" 
here  1  Those  who  are  separated  and  set  apart  by  God 
the  Father,  according  to  his  electing  love,  Jude,  1 ;  and 
sanctified  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  possess  a  holy  faith  in 
Jesus  and  a  holy  life  from  him. 

In  what  sense  has  Christ  "  perfected  them  for  ever  V 
My  dear  reader,  it  is  for  want  of  faith  in  this  that  we 
feel  so  much  distress  in  our  consciences,  so  little  love 
to  Christ  in  our  hearts,  and  enjoy  no  more  peace  with 
God  in  our  souls.  Sin  causes  all  this :  but  Christ  has 
"perfected  for  ever  them  who  are  sanctified:"  that  is, 
he  has  so  perfectly  freed  them  from  all  the  charges  of 
law  and  justice,  that  there  is  now  no  condemnation 
against  them. 

How  has  Christ  done  this  1  "  By  one  offering."  O  the 
love  of  Christ  in  this  offering  for  sinners  who  deserved 
it  not !  0  the  willingness  of  Christ  in  it !  "  He  gave  him- 
self for  our  sins."  Gal.  1 : 4.  0  the  pains  and  agonies  he 
endured  for  our  salvation  I    O  the  glorious  efficacy  of 


390  SEPTEMBER  23. 

his  offering  upon  the  cross !  He  made  there  (by  his  one 
oblation  of  himself  once  offered)  a  full,  perfect  and  suf- 
ficient sacrifice,  oblation  and  satisfaction  for  our  sins : 
thus  he  hath  once  for  all  and  for  ever  satisfied  the  jus- 
tice of  God,  appeased  his  wrath,  and  perfectly  reconcil- 
ed his  holiness  to  us. 

But,  how  is  the  comfort  of  this  enjoyed  1  By  faith.  Is 
this  true  1  Yes,  says  Paul,  we  have  the  most  infallible 
evidence  for  its  veracity,  "  Whereof  the  Holy  Ghost  is 
a  witness  to  us."  Heb.  10:  15.  Then,  as  we  value  peace 
of  conscience,  the  hope  of  heaven,  and  the  love  of  God, 
we  are  bound  to  honor  the  Spirit  of  truth,  hy  faith  un- 
feigned.  1  Tim.  1 ;  5. 


Sept.  23. — I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 
Romans,  1 :  16. 

Says  Bunyan  in  his  Pilgrim's  Progress,  "  Of  all  the 
men  that  I  met  with  in  my  pilgrimage.  Shame,  I  think, 
bears  the  wrong  name  :  this  bold-faced  Shame  would 
never  have  done  ;  I  could  scarce  shake  him  out  of  my 
company ;  he  would  be  continually  haunting  me  and  whis- 
pering me  in  the  ear  ,•  indeed  this  Shame  is  a  bold  villain." 

Have  not  you  found  the  same  1  Lord,  pardon  thy  ser- 
vant, that  this  shame  still  cleaves  unto  me.  Lord,  I  am 
ashamed  of  myself,  that  I  ever  should  be  ashamed  of 
thee  and  thy  Gospel.  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  drive 
away  this  shame  from  my  heart. 

Consider  its  origin.  It  is  begotten  by  pride.  We  are 
proud  of  our  good  name,  fair  character,  our  reason  and 
understanding,  among  the  men  of  the  world.  If  we  open- 
ly profess  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  and  live  and  walk  under 
its  influence,  we  cannot  act  like  the  rest  of  the  world. 
Hence  we  shall  soon  be  reproached,  and  perhaps  deem- 
ed fools,  madmen,  and  enthusiasts.  Pride  cannot  bear 
this :  it  is  ashamed  of  it.    Then  it  works  by  fear.    Fear 


SEPTEMBER  24.  39 1 

says,  take  heed  to  yourself :  do  not  go  too  far:  keep 
your  Gospel  to  yourself:  you  will  surely  suffer  for  it: 
you  will  lose  your  friends,  character,  and  business  :  you 
will  set  all  the  world  against  you,  and  then,  how  will 
you  live. 

Hence  you  see  that  pride  and  fear  are  the  offspring 
of  atheism  and  unbelief:  they  banish  the  Providence  of 
God  and  the  promises  of  his  grace  from  our  mind. 
Hence  it  is  plain  that  faith,  a  living  faith  in  the  Gospel 
of  Christ,  will  drive  pride,  fear  and  shame  out  of  the 
heart.  0  consider  the  dishonor  it  is  to  Christ  to  be 
ashamed  of  his  glorious  Gospel.  Does  it  bring  to  our 
souls  the  glad  tidings  of  the  pardon  of  our  sins,  peace 
with  God,  justification  before  him,  and  eternal  enjoy- 
ment of  him  through  the  salvation  of  Christ '?  Did  he 
make  himself  of  no  reputation  for  us  1  Did  he  endure 
the  cross  and  despise  the  shame  of  hanging  upon  it  as 
an  accursed  malefactor  to  save  us  1  And  shall  we  be 
ashamed  of  him  1  Where  then  is  our  faith  in  him  and 
love  to  him  1 

It  is  one  thing  to  be  beset  with  shame  and  another  to 
give  way  to  it.  A  lively  faith  begets  warm  love.  Then 
shame  dares  not  show  his  base  head.  Without  thee,  O 
Jesus,  we  can  do  nothing.  Through  thy  strength  we 
can  do  all  things.  Lord,  strengthen  our  souls  in  the  faith 
and  love  of  thee.  0  suffer  us  never,  never  to  be  asham- 
ed of  thee  and  of  thy  cross.  But  let  us  ever  glory  in 
thee,  and  of  thee.  And,  dear  Lord  help  us,  that  we  may 
never  be  a  shame  io  thee  and  thy  Gospel,  by  an  unchris- 
tian life  and  unholy  walk. 


Sept.  24. — Wash  ?7ze,  and  I  shall  he  whiter  than  snow. 
Psalm  51:7. 

Here  is  majesty  in  misery :  a  king  in  penitence  :  a 
monarch  of  the  earth  at  the  footstool  of  mercy.  Da- 
vid, as  a  miserable  sinner,  polluted  with  the  complicated 


392  SEPTEMBER  24. 

crimes  of  adultery  and  murder,  is  here  ascribing  honor 
to  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  by  the  pleading  of  faith.  Had 
you  now  asked  David  what  he  thought  of  the  plea- 
sures of  s'ml  he  would  have  read  the  most  affecting  lec- 
ture on  its  exceeding  sinfulness,  and  the  terror  and  hor- 
ror it  brought  upon  his  spirit.  Though  invested  with 
the  government  of  a  kingdom,  yet  he  could  not  com- 
mand away  its  terrors  from  his  mind,  its  burden  from 
his  conscience,  or  its  pollution  from  his  soul.  He  now 
found  the  words  of  his  son  fully  verified,  "  Whoso 
breaketh  an  hedge,  a  serpent  shall  bite  him."  Eccles. 
10  : 8.  He  had  broken  through  the  hedge  of  God's  law, 
and  that  old  serpent  who  tempted  him,  now  stings  and 
torments  him. 

But  when  Nathan  had  convinced  David  of  his  trans- 
gressions, so  that  he  cried  out,  "  I  have  sinned,"  did  not 
the  prophet  add,  "  The  Lord  also  hath  put  away  thy 
sinV  2  Sam.  12:13.  Yes.  Nevertheless,  this  peniten- 
tial psalm  was  written  after  this.  Hence  we  learn  that, 
though  sin  is  put  away  by  the  Lord  Jesus  in  the  court 
of  heaven,  yet  the  poor  sinner  may  not  enjoy  the  com- 
fort of  its  removal  from  his  own  conscience.  There 
may  be  true  faith  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  that  it 
cleanses  from  all  sin,  and  yet  the  soul  be  left  to  cry  out 
under  the  pollution  of  sin;  for  a  truly  regenerate  soul 
is  as  much  concerned  to  be  cleansed  from  the  pollution 
of  sin  as  to  be  comforted  with  pardon  for  sin. 

True  faith  manifests  itself  in  the  heart,  by  its  turning 
away  from  every  other  ground  of  deliverance,  and  turn- 
ing to  that  blessed  fountain  opened  for  sin  and  unclean- 
ness.  Not  my  tears  of  repentance,  but  thy  precious 
blood,  0  Lamb  of  God,  can  wash  me.  Precious  word ! 
"  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sin."  1 
John,  1:7.  Faith  ascribes  the  utmost  efficacy  to  it, 
"  Wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow."  I  shall  be 
as  free  and  as  fair  from  the  least   stain  of  sin  in  God's 


SEPTEMBER  25.  393 

sight,  as  if  I  had  never  sinned :    "  without  spot  or  wrin- 
kle, or  any  such  thing*"  Eph.  5  :  27. 

Hence  as  you  value  the  sense  of  God's  love  and  peace 
of  conscience,  beware  of  sin.  If  you  sin,  flee  instantly 
to  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  to  be  cleansed,  and  to  no  other 
remedy.  Believe,  watch  and  pray.  No  power  can  for- 
give sin,  or  cleanse  from  it,  but  the  Lord,  against  whom 
it  is  committed.  ''  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from 
all  unrighteousness."  1  John,  1  :  9. 


jSept.  25. —  The  joy  of  live  Lord  is  your  strength.  Neli.  8 :  10. 

This  is  a  precious,  evangelical  chapter  :  glorious  gos- 
pel truths  are  here  held  forth  to  us :  Lord,  help  us  to 
see  them  and  feed  upon  them.  Here  is,  1st*  A  solemn 
observation  of  the  feast  of  tabernacles:  this  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  wisdom  of  God  the  Father.  Lev.  23 :  34. 
Did  God  solemnly  command  the  people  to  dwell  in 
booths  for  eight  days,  but  for  some  glorious  end  1  No : 
Christ  is  the  substance  of  the  whole  law  :  here  is  a  sha- 
dow of  him  :  here  is  typified  God's  beloved  Son,  who  Avas 
to  tabernacle  in  our  flesh,  and  all  the  Father's  glory  to 
dwell  in  him.  2d.  "  The  people  gathered  together  as 
one  man."  So,  '^  Unto  Shiloh  (the  Messiah)  shall  the 
gathering  of  the  people  be."  Gen.  49  :  10.  3d.  Ezra  the 
priest  reads  and  expounds  to  them  the  law  in  the  open 
street,  (much  like  field-preaching,)  the  people  were  con- 
vinced of  sin  and  wept :  the  law  ministers  death  and 
condemnation  to  them.  Here  is  the  office  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  in  convincing  of  sin  and  comforting  them  by  faith. 

Again,  Ezra  preaches  the  Gospel  to  them,  and  says, 
"Weep  not,  neither  be  ye  sorry."  What!  Not  when 
their  hearts  were  wounded  by  sin,  the  terrors  of  a  bro- 
ken law  fell  upon  them,  and  when  they  saw  justice  arm- 
ed with  vengeance  to  destroy  theml  No:  for  ''  The  joy 

17* 


394.  SEPTEMBER  26. 

of  the  Lord  is  your  strength.''''  How  so  1  A  glorious  ray 
of  Christ's  rich  love  and  marvellous  grace  to  poor  sin- 
ners beams  forth  here:  see  what  is  the  joy  of  the  Lord. 
Our  precious  Lord  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of  our 
faith,  ^^  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him  (of  saving  us 
miserable  sinners)  endured  the  cross,  despising  the 
shame."  Heb.  12:2.  Look  unto  Jesus;  meditate  on  this 
joy  of  your  Lord.  Though  he  was  to  suffer  the  most 
excruciating  pains  and  agonies  on  the  cross,  and  to  be 
exposed  to  public  shame  and  infamy  as  a  malefactor ; 
yet  such  was  his  joy  in  saving  Ris  dear  people  from  hell, 
to  be  glorified  with  him  eternally  in  heaven,  that  he  pa 
tiently  endured  and  cheerfully  despised  all  this. 

O,  did  such  love,  such  grace,  such  joy  dwell  in  the 
heart  of  our  incarnate  God !  Sinner,  this  joy  of  the  Lord 
is  your  strength  and  mine  :  the  faith  of  this  creates  the 
highest  joy  in  our  souls  ;  and  this  joy  inspires  our  hearts 
with  strength  and  courage  against  all  our  enemies;  for 
we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through  Christ,  who  loved 
us,  and  had  such  joy  in  saving  us.  O,  to  think  '^I  am  a 
poor  weak  and  vile  sinner  from  day  to  day,  surrounded 
by  the  most  subtle  and  powerful  foes,"  is  enough  to 
make  our  hearts  faint,  our  knees  feeble,  and  our  hands 
hang  down :  but  O  the  joy,  the  strength  with  which  it 
inspires  the  soul  to  know,  '^  The  Lord  thy  God  in  the 
midst  of  thee  is  mighty."  Zeph.  3:  17. 


Sept.  26. — Men  sJiall  he  blessed  i-a  kirn :  alt  nations  shall  call 
him  blessed.    Psalm  12:  17. 

"  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them." 
Gal.  3  :  10.  This  curse  God  has  never  revoked :  every 
man  is  naturally  nnder  it ;  but  the  greatest  curse  is,  men 
neither  believe  it,  feel  it,  nor  care  for  it.  Hence  they 
slight  and  disregard  Him  who  was  made  '^  a  curse  for 


SEPTEMBER  26.  395 

us,"  that  we  might  be  blessed  in  him.  Says  our  Lord, 
"  Search  the  Scriptures,  they  testify  of  me."  John,  5  :  39. 
Here  is  a  sweet  testimony  for  our  mind,  and  precious 
food  for  our  faith:  Jesus,  Master,  bless  me  while  I  medi- 
tate on  it. 

See  all  blessedness  in  Christ.  Well  might  Luther 
say,  ^^  I  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  an  absolute  God:" 
that  is,  God  without  a  mediator.  O  sinner,  O  saint, 
there  is  nothing  but  curse  and  wrath  for  us  out  of  Christ : 
there  is  a  hell  of  sin  in  our  nature :  pride  and  lust  dwell 
in  our  flesh.  Spirit  of  God,  give  us  to  know  this  more 
and  more,  to  the  humbling  of  our  hearts  and  to  the  priz- 
ing of  our  dear  Immanuel:  for  in  Christ  there  is  nothing 
but  blessedness:  we  are  blessed  in  him.  ''Blessed  be 
the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath 
blessed  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in  Christ,  accord- 
ing as  he  hatk  chosen  us  in  him  before  the  foundation 
of  the  world."  Eph.  1 :  3,  4. 

Here  are  precious  fouiidation-truths  of  our  blessed- 
ness :  faith  receives  them,  and  works  by  the  love  of 
them.  Not  only  blessed  in  but  blessed  by  Christ :  as  our 
covenant  head,  he  has  every  blessing  for  time  and  eter- 
nity to  bestow  upon  his  members.  We  have  not  only 
the  knowledge  of  this,  but  the  enjoyment  of  it.  Christ 
is  the  author  of  our  faith :  he  gave  us  faith,  that  we 
might  feed  on  him  in  our  hearts,  have  fellowship  with 
him  in  our  spirits,  and  have  all  things  in  common  with 
him,  which  our  Father's  love  can  bestow,  to  make  us 
blessed  and  happy. 

"Men,"  miserable,  sinful  men  shall  not  only  be  bless- 
ed in  Christ,  but  shall  bless  themselves  i-n  him.  This  is 
a  sweet  art :  H<3ly  Spirit,  teach  it  us  from  day  to  day : 
though  we  find  ourselves  vile,  miserable  and  cursed,  yet 
let  us  bless  ourselves  in  the  Lord  ;  boast  of  him,  glory 
in  him,  and  rejoice  for  what  Christ  of  God  is  made  to 
us.    Men  shall  call  Christ  blessed:  the  w^^^t  blessed  ob- 


396  SEPTEMBER  27. 

ject  their  eyes  ever  saw,  or  their  hearts  ever  knew.  But 
language  fails :  Lord,  make  up  in  spirit  what  is  wanting 
in  words.  There  is  no  end  of  speaking,  dear  Lord,  of 
thy  blessedness. 


Sept.  27. — One  Mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ 
Jesus.  1  Tim.  2  :  5. 

O,  my  fellow-sinners,  I  heartily  congratulate  your 
soul  and  my  own  for  this  blessed  truth !  Lord,  help  us 
to  live  upon  it  in  our  consciences  from  day  to  day :  it  is 
not  a  speculative,  but  an  experimental  truth :  it  enters 
into  the  very  essence  of  our  faith,  is  the  very  life  of  our 
hope,  lies  at  the  foundation  of  our  peace,  and  is  the 
source  of  every  blessing  and  comfort.  If  we  are  not 
continually  looking  to  this  one  Mediator,  Jesus,  we  lose 
the  peace  of  faith,  the  comfort  of  hope,  the  fellowship 
of  love,  become  perplexed  in  our  minds ;  and  then  we 
do  not  draw  nigh  to  God  with  confidence,  stand  before 
him  with  boldness,  nor  cheerfully  walk  with  him  in  love 
and  holiness. 

Consider,  a  mediator  stands  as  a  middle  person,  inter- 
posing between  two  parties  at  variance,  to  make  peace 
and  reconciliation :  this  Christ  has  perfectly  done :  he 
has  for  ever  made  peace  by  the  blood  of  his  cross.  Colos- 
sians.  1  :  20.  Sin  was  the  cause  of  variance  between 
God  and  us  :  but  Christ  hath  "put  away  sin  by  the  sacri- 
fice of  himself."  Heb.  9  :  26.  Thus  the  work  of  recon- 
ciliation is  finished  in  respect  to  God.  But  Jesus  hath 
a  work  to  do  with  us ;  for  we  are  naturally  alienated 
from  God  and  enemies  to  him  in  our  minds:  this  is 
manifest  by  our  wicked  ways  :  but,  says  the  apostle, 
"  you  hath  he  now  reconciled."  Col.  1  :  2L 

Is  it  so  Avith  you  1  Has  Christ,  by  the  persuasive  elo- 
quence of  his  tongue,  the  affecting  oratory  of  his  love, 
and  the  sweet  power  of  his  Spirit,  conquered  the  rebel- 


SEPTEMBER  28.  397 

lion  of  your  will,  subdued  the  stubborn  pride  of  your 
heart,  and  gained  your  affections  for  God  1  Yes,  say 
you  :  but  I  am  such  a  miserable  sinner,  I  fear  God  will 
not  receive  me  ;  I  have  so  much  sin  in  me,  I  think  he 
cannot  be  reconciled  to  me  and  at  peace  with  me.  Nay, 
but  if  Jesus  had  not  been  a  Mediator  for  miserable  sin- 
ners full  of  sin,  Paul  and  all  the  apostles,  and  every 
saint  now  in  glory  would  have  been  in  endless  tor- 
ment :  all  the  comfort  of  Christ's  mediation  is  enjoyed 
by  faith. 

Christ  lives  to  continue  perfect  reconciliation  be- 
tween God  and  us.  O  that  is  a  most  precious  text : 
"  For  if  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to 
God  by  the  death  of  his  Son,  much  more,  being  recon- 
ciled, we  shall  be  saved  by  his  life."  Rom.  5  :  10.  Look 
back  to  the  atonement  of  Christ  on  the  cross;  lookup 
to  the  intercession  of  Christ  at  the  right  hand  of  a  re- 
conciled God  ;  look  forward  and  see  heaven  open  to 
receive  you,  and  the  arms  of  a  loving  Father  to  em- 
brace you. 


Sept.  28. — Fear  ye  not.   Stand  still  and  see  the  salvation  of 
the  Lord.    Exodus,  14: 13. 

Now  were  the  people  of  God  in  a  great  strait,  even 
at  their  wits'  end  :  perish  they  must,  to  all  human  ap- 
pearance. A  wide  ocean  is  before  them.  Inaccessible 
mountains  surround  them.  An  enraged  monarch  pursues 
them  :  death  in  various  shapes  presents  itself  to  them  : 
yet,  for  all  this,  says  Moses,  "  Fear  not."  Unbelief  and 
carnal  reason  might  suggest.  What !  not  be  afraid  when 
inevitable  destruction  must  be  our  doom  1  Why  will 
Moses  talk  to  us  after  this  enthusiastic  rate  1  But,  in 
the  view  of  apparent  destruction,  Moses  tells  them  of 
certain  salvation,  and  commands  them  to  stand  still  and 
behold  it :   we  do  not  hear  one  word  from  Moses  to 


398  SEPTEMBER  28. 

soothe  their  fears  or  comfort  their  minds,  from  any 
considerations  of  what  they  were  in  themselves,  or  what 
they  had  done  to  entitle  them  to  the  Lord's  favor.  No  j 
but  they  were  at  this  very  moment  indulging  the  mur- 
murs of  unbelief:  "Why  hast  thou  brought  us  forthl 
Better  to  serve  the  Egyptians,  than  to  perish  here." 

Hence  observe,  in  times  of  difficulty,  in  seasons  of 
distress,  when  sin  rages,  conscience  accuses,  the  law 
condemns,  unbelief  prevails,  and  we  poor  sinners  are  at 
our  wits'  end;  seeing  justice  pursuing,  all  hope  and 
help  failing,  and  despair  at  the  door,  then  the  salvation 
of  Jesus  is  our  only  resource :  in  such  seasons  how 
does  this  quell  our  fears,  compose  and  comfort  our 
minds! 

But,  what  is  it  to  stayid  still  and  see  the  salvation  of 
the  Lord  1  Is  it  to  cease  from  prayer  and  all  other  means 
of  grace,  and,  as  some  say,  be  still ;  stir  not  in  the  way 
of  duty  %  No  ;  for,  contrary  to  this,  the  Lord  ordered  the 
people  to  "  go  forward."  What  is  it  then,  but  in  the 
midst  of  fears,  in  the  sight  of  dangers,  and  in  the  dread 
of  destruction,  to  cease  from  all  self-confidence,  to  at- 
tend to  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  to  rely  upon  his  gracious 
promises,  and  quietly  to  hope  for  his  great  deliverance  ; 
for,  0  precious  word !  says  Moses,  "  The  Lord  shall 
fio-ht  for  you  :"  and  w^hat  then  1  "  Ye  shall  hold  your 
peace." 

How  soon,  how  effectually  did  the  Lord  do  this !  He 
destroyed  their  enemies,  saved  them,  silenced  all  their 
unbelieving  fears  and  unreasonable  murmurings  :  they 
saw  their  enemies  no  more  for  ever.  Stand  still,  0  soul, 
admire,  adore,  love,  and  confide  in  a  gracious,  wonder- 
working, sinner-saving  Lord  :  look  on  thine  enemies  as 
the  foes  of  thy  Lord:  he  has  promised  their  destruction 
and  thy  salvation.  Rejoice  to  think  of  that  day,  when 
thou  shalt  see  thy  Lord  in  glory,  and  thine  enemies  no 
more  for  ever. 


SEPTEMBER  29.  399 

Sept.  29. — Iioill  greatly  rejoice  in  the  Lord^  my  soid  shall  he 
joyful  in  my  God,  for  he  hath  clothed  me  icith  the  garinents 
of  salvation,  he  hath  covered  me  with  the  robe  of  righteous 
ness.  Isaiah,  61  :  10. 

It  would  be  surprising  to  see  a  malefactor  going  to 
execution  singing  and  rejoicing  all  the  way.  But  if, 
when  he  came  to  the  fatal  place,  he  should  produce  the 
king's  free  pardon,  with  royal  promises  of  being  admit- 
ted to  his  presence,  and  appearing  at  court  in  the  richest 
robes  of  the  king's  providing,  our  wonder  would  cease  ; 
we  should  own  that  he  really  had  abundant  cause  for 
joy.  Come,  my  fellow-condemned  malefactors,  though 
sin  has  stripped  you  of  your  innocent  dress  of  righteous 
clothing  j  though  you  are  under  the  sentence  of  death ; 
yet  behold,  here  is  a  pardon  for  you,  the  best  robe  to  be 
put  upon  you,  and  a  sure  promise  of  admission  into  the 
king's  presence  in  it.  Read  it  and  rejoice.  Grace  reigns 
through  righteousness  unto  eterjial  life.  Rom.  5  :  21. 
The  God  of  righteousness  clothes  us  naked  sinners  with 
the  garments  of  salvation,  and  adorns  us  with  the 
robe  of  righteousness,  which  our  heavenly  bridegroom 
wrought  for  us  :  this  is  the  blessing  of  being  united  to 
Christ  by  faith ;  this  is  the  joy  of  faith ;  this  causes  joy 
of  soul,  and  great  rejoicing  in  the  Lord  our  righteousness. 

When  all  sense  of  comfort  and  joy  in  nature  is  dead  ; 
yet,  in  Jesus  our  covenant  head  we  have  a  never  failing 
source  of  comfort,  and  an  inexhaustible  spring  of  joy  : 
faith  leaves  nature  behind,  with  all  its  sins  and  miseries  j 
it  looks  neither  to  works  nor  worthiness  in  self,  but  con- 
siders what  Christ  is  to  the  soul,  and  what  the  soul  is  in 
him,  righteous,  perfectly  and  everlastingly  righteous. 
O  then  joy,  great  joy  springs  up. 

See  the  claim  of  faith,  ''  my  God."  Though  faith  doth 
not  meritoriously  cause  the  Lord  to  become  our  God, 
nor  adopt  us  into  his  family  j  yet  it  claims  that  peculiar 


400  SEPTEMBER  30. 

and  precious  interest  in  him,  which  the  word  of  his 
grace  reveals.  The  Father  draws  us  by  his  Spirit  to  his 
Son  for  his  righteousness  j  the  Spirit  bears  witness  that 
we  are  rio-hteous  in  his  Son  :  then  faith  makes  the  claim, 
boasts  of  it,  and  glories  in  it :  then  Jesus  has  our  hearts 
and  our  hopes ;  our  affections  are  placed  on  him  ;  our 
hopes  centre  in  him.  Then  we  find  our  God  in  Christ  j 
we  call  him  my  God;  Abba,  Father:  we  are  at  peace 
with  him,  and  joyful  in  him  ;  we  proclaim  our  joy  in  our 
God.  What!  clothed  with  the  garments  of  salvation 
which  we  wrought  not ;  covered  with  the  robe  of  righ- 
teousness which  we  spun  not,  and  not  be  joyfuH  O  be- 
lievers, be  ashamed  of  your  unbelief:  it  damps  your  joy  j 
it  withholds  the  glory  of  your  heart. 


Sept.  30.— But  the  body  is  of  Christ,  {or  is  Christ.)  Col.  2  :  17. 

There  is  not  a  greater  instance  of  the  depravity  of  the 
human  mind,  and  the  corruption  of  the  judgment,  than 
its  seeking  happiness  in  the  shadow  instead  of  the  sub- 
stance. What  is  all  created  good  but  the  shadow  of 
him  that  created  it  %  Yet  we  are  prone  to  grasp  at  the 
shadow,  and  seek  to  be  satisfied  with  it,  while  we  ne- 
glect God  the  substance.  But  all,  like  a  shadow,  eludes 
our  embrace  ;  still  w;e  are  restless  and  pursuing  :  it  is 
just  the  same  in  spiritual  things :  we  are  prone  to  take 
up  and  rest  satisfied  with  the  shadow  of  things,  with- 
out the  body,  which  is  Christ :  yea,  so  foolish  are  we, 
that  unless  we  are  kept,  even  after  we  have  known  the 
substance  and  fulness  of  Christ,  and  see  that  we  are 
complete  in  him,  we  turn  again  to  trust  in  the  shadow 
of  our  own  works  and  duties.  This  is  awful !  "  But  the 
body  is  Christ." 

Jehovah,  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  have  put  the  glory 
of  every  attribute  and  perfection  of  the  godhead  in  the 
body  of  Christ:  "In  him  dwelleth" — not  the  fulness 


SEPTEMBER  30.  401 

merely — ''  all  the  fulness  of  the  godhead  bodily."  Col. 
2  :  9.  God  the  Father  says, ''  Behold  mine  elect,  in  whom 
my  soul  delighteth."  Isa.  42:  1.  God's  soul  can  delight 
in  nothing  but  where  his  glory  is.  Again,  "  This  is  my 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased,  hear  ye  him." 
Matt.  17:  5.  God  cannot  be  well  pleased  with  any  one 
who  is  not,  like  himself,  perfect  in  holiness,  righteous- 
ness, and  truth  :  of  these,  not  one  of  all  the  human 
race  is  possessed  :  therefore,  God  is  so  far  from  being 
well  pleased  with  us,  as  we  are  in  ourselves,  that  he 
hates  and  abhors  us. 

But  here  is  our  special  mercy,  God  loves  us,  he  hath 
chosen  us,  and  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in 
the  body  of  Christ :  by  Christ's  body  we  are  redeemed 
from  all  our  sins,  he  "  bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on 
the  tree."  1  Pet.  2  :  24.  In  Christ's  righteous  body  we 
are  justified  and  sanctified  :  "  we  are  sanctified  through 
the  offering  of  the  body  of  Christ,  once  for  all."  Heb. 
10  :  10.  Yea;  "  by  one  offering  he  hath  perfected  for 
ever  them  that  are  sanctified."  Heb.  10  :  14. 

Of  this  "the  Holy  Ghost  is  witness  to  us."  Heb. 
10:  15.  This  is  his  blessed  office,  to  glorify  Christ  to 
our  view  and  in  our  hearts.  The  Father  calls  on  us  to 
behold  Christ  and  to  hear  him.  The  Holy  Spirit  enables 
to  this,  and  fills  us  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing. 
Here  then  things  are  brought  to  one  single  point :  all 
our  righteousness,  holiness,  peace,  comfort,  and  joy,  are 
in  Christ.  Are  we  reconciled  to  God]  Has  God  put  all 
his  glory  in  Him  1  Then  let  us  seek  all  our  happiness 
there. 


402  OCTOBER  1. 


Octoher, 

-Of  ichom  I  am  chief.    1  Tim.  1 :  15. 

What  a  mighty  change  does  grace  make !  Paul  was 
once  in  his  own  eyes,  the  chief  of  saints.  But  now  that 
he  is  really  an  eminent  saint  in  Christ,  he  confesses  him- 
self the  chief  of  sinners.  Why  so  1  Did  he  love  sin,  and 
glory  in  sin  1  No,  far  from  it  j  he  was  now  saved  from 
all  his  sins  :  hut  he  now  sees  the  exceeding  preciousness 
of  Christ  his  Saviour ;  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin, 
which  dwelt  in  him  j  and  the  infinite  holiness,  spiritu- 
ality, and  perfection  of  the  law  of  God  :  therefore  he 
makes  this  public  declaration ;  not  I  have  been,  but  I 
now  am  the  chief  oi  sinners. 

He  as  it  were  stands  forth  and  challenges  the  whole 
race  of  sinners,  and  says,  I  will  give  place  to  no  one  :  of 
all  of  you  I  will  be  the  first,  and  stand  foremost  in  the 
rank.  "  But  is  not  this  glorying  in  sin,  which  was  his 
shame  V  Self-righteous  hearts  may  think  so  ;  they  can- 
not understand  Paul's  feelings.  When  any  sinner  adopts 
Paul's  language,  and  says,  "  of  sinners  I  am  chief,"  they 
ignorantly  reply,  There  can  be  but  one  chief.  Who  then 
is  that  one  %  Why  every  one  who  drinks  into  the  same 
spirit  with  Paul,  has  the  same  views  of  himself  which  he 
had. 

They  see  sin,  not  only  in  its  fruits,  but  as  a  root;  not 
only  its  actings,  but  as  a  nature  in  which  dwells  no  good 
thing.  Though  sin  has  not  dominion  over  them,  yet 
sin  dwells  in  them.  When  they  look  at  their  sinful  ac- 
tions, they  take  into  view  their  present  nature  also,  and 
therefore  abuse  themselves :  they  have  done  with  self 
admiration  and  self-justification.  I  am  the  chief  of  sin- 
ners :  I  see  myself:  I  think  no  one  has  so  wicked  a 
heart  and  so  bad  a  nature  as  I  have. 


OCTOBER  2.  403 

Such  from  their  hearts  give  glory  to  the  holy,  bless- 
ed Trinity.  O  how  is  God  the  Father  glorified  for  his 
everlastinar  love  to  such  sinners !  How  is  God  the 
Son's  grace  exalted  in  dying  to  save  them.  How  is  the 
Holy  Spirit's  kindness  magnified,  in  convincing  them 
of  sin,  bringing  them  to  Christ  to  be  saved  from  siu, 
and  sanctifying  them,  by  the  faith  of  Christ,  over 
the  power  of  sin  ! 

Such,  all  such,  and  none  but  such,  do  cordially  em- 
brace and  live  upon  this  ''  faithful  saying  and  worthy  of 
all  acceptation  "  (with  the  deepest  humility  and  highest 
joy,)  ''  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners :"  therefore,  as  they  are  not  under  the  power  of  sin, 
so  they  are  delivered  from  the  pride  of  their  own  right- 
eousness. A  sinner's  righteousness  !  They  are  ashamed 
that  they  should  ever  be  so  arrogant  and  ignorant  as  to 
talk  of  it,  trust  in  it,  or  expect  to  be  justified  by  it,  either 
in  whole  or  in  part. 


Oct.  2. — This  is  his  commandment^  that  we  should  believe  on 
the  name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christy  and  love  one  another. 
1  John,  3  :  23. 

When  a  weary  traveller  has  lost  his  way,  what  joy 
must  the  sight  of  a  directory  afford  him  !  How  must 
his  joy  be  increased  if  it  informs  him  he  is  near  a  dear 
friend's  house  who  will  kindly  receive  him !  Weary 
pilgrim,  look  at  this  directory  and  rejoice  :  you  are 
nigh  a  dear  friend  who  will  kindly  receive  and  hear- 
tily welcome  you.  Obey  this  command,  and  enjoy  the 
blessing. 

Consider  who  commands.  God  the  Father  ;  that  God 
against  whom  you  have  sinned,  and  by  sin  have  become 
miserable  :  he  would  have  you  both  holy  and  happy  j 
you  can  be  neither  without  believing  :  both  are  enjoyed 
in  faith. 

Consider  the  command :  believe.     By  the  ten  com- 


404-  OCTOBER  2. 

mandments  you  are  condemned ;  you  are  brought  in 
guilty  by  them  ;  the  law  ministers  nothing  but  wrath 
and  condemnation.  God  shows  us  mercy.  O  the  love 
and  grace  of  the  law-giver  !  He  here  gives  us  one  com- 
mand, which  ministers  life  and  salvation  to  our  guilty 
souls :  only  believe.  You  mourn  under  a  sense  of  sin, 
and  are  dejected  and  distressed  :  you  look  one  way  and 
another  :  you  strive  to  do  this  and  that :  you  pray,  read, 
hear,  converse — still  your  soul  is  not  happy  and  joyful. 
Why  not  1  Because  you  do  not  obey  your  Father's  com- 
mand, believe.  ^ 

Consider  the  object  of  faith :  "  The  name  of  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ.''''  God  the  Father  doth  not  command,  be- 
lieve on  me,  come  to  me,  but  only  as  he  is  in  Christ : 
therefore  he  says,  "  hear  my  beloved  Son."  Mark,  9  :  7. 
Believe  on  him  \  go  to  him  ;  receive  him  5  look  to  him  j 
venture  your  souls  on  him  5  constantly  and  continually 
exercise  your  minds  on  him  for  all  salvation  :  so  shall 
you  enjoy  my  peace,  my  favor,  and  my  love.  All  cen- 
tres in  his  name,  Jesus  ;  your  sin-bearing,  sin-atoning, 
law-fulfilling  Saviour.  Christ:  anointed,  sent  and  ap- 
pointed by  God  the  Father,  to  do  and  suffer  his  will  j  to 
finish  your  salvation,  and  to  save  and  make  you  ever 
happy  in  the  sense  of  the  Father's  reconciled  love  in  him. 

Who  are  commanded  thus  to  believe  %  Sinners,  lost 
and  perishing  sinners,  who  have  no  righteousness  to 
justify,  no  strength  to  save  themselves.  This  is  your 
character  and  mine,  and  will  be  so  all  through  life  : 
therefore  this  command  is  ever  to  be  obeyed  by  us.  Are 
you  in  a  doubting,  fearing,  condemned,  dark,  distressed 
frame  '{  Your  Father's  loving  command  just  suits  you  : 
obey  him:  believe  in  his  Son,  for  light,  joy,  and  peace, 
and  they  shall  spring  up  in  your  conscience :  then  love 
shall  prevail  in  your  soul  to  God  and  to  his  children. 
This  is  the  prayer  of  faith,  "  Lord,  increase  our  faith.'* 
Luke,  17 ;  5. 


OCTOBER  3.  405 

Oct.  3. — Saul  answered,  I  am  sore  distressed;  for  the  Philis' 
tines  make  icar  against  me,  and  God  is  departed  from  me. 
1  Samuel,  28  :  15. 

A  more  awful  speech  is  scarcely  to  be  found  in  the 
Bible  :  a  more  dreadful  state  a  soul  cannot  be  in  on  this 
side  of  hell :  to  have  powerful  enemies  in  battle  array  ; 
to  have  the  guilt  of  abominable  sins  staring  us  in  the 
face ;  and  to  be  sensible  that  the  Lord  is  departed  from 
us,  how  horrid  the  thought !  Here  see  the  awful  effects 
of  trifling  with  God  and  disobeying  his  commands ! 

We  read  that  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  Saul : 
that  God  gave  him  another  heart ;  that  he  was,  turned 
into  another  man  ;  and  that  he  prophesied.  1  Sam.  10  :  6. 
And  yet,  such  was  his  dreadful  conduct  as  to  bring  upon 
himself  sore  distress.  How  does  he  act  under  it  1  Does 
he  humble  himself  as  heretofore  before  the  Lord  1  No  : 
but  adds  this  evil  to  all  his  abominations  ;  he  seeks  to 
the  witch  of  Endor,  and  desires  her  to  raise  up  Samuel 
to  him  :  the  form  of  Samuel  appears,  and  tells  him  of  his 
sudden  destruction  by  the  Philistines. 

Learn  hence,  that  as  the  Lord's  mercies  are  sure,  so 
also  are  his  judgments  :  though  he  may  delay  for  a  sea- 
son, yet  a  day  of  vengeance  will  surely  overtake  every 
impenitent,  sin-hardened  soul :  though  it  was  not  long 
before, that  Saul  disobeyed  the  Lord's  command  in  not 
totally  destroying  his  enemies,  the  Amalekites ;  yet  the 
Lord  had  neither  forgotten  it  nor  forgiven  him. 

See  how  a  sin-hardened  soul  acts ;  not  like  David, 
who  goes  to  the  Lord  with  an  humble  heart,  a  broken 
spirit,  and  a  sorrowful  cry,  "  0  Lord,  pardon  mine  ini- 
quity, for  it  is  great."  Psalm  25  :  11.  But,  like  Saul, 
who  applied  to  one  possessed  with  the  devil  for  relief. 

We  do  not  hear  one  word  from  Saul  of  the  cause  of 
his  distress,  sm :  his  eyes  were  so  blinded  by  it  that  he 
saw  not  the  evil  of  it :  his  heart  w^as  so  hardened  by  its 


406  OCTOBER  4. 

deceitfulness  that  he  felt  no  sorrow  in  his  soul  on  ac- 
count of  it ;  for  the  Lord  was  departed  from  him.  O  that 
we  may  dread  and  deprecate  the  Lord's  departing  from 
us.  But  let  not  any  sin-distressed,  broken-hearted  sin- 
ner write  bitter  things  against  himself  in  view  of  this : 
for,  if  sin  causes  sorrow  of  heart  and  mourning  of  soul, 
and  excites  a  cry,  "  God,  be  merciful  to  me — save.  Lord, 
I  perish  :"  the  Lord  is  not  departed  from  that  soul :  it  is 
not  hardened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin.  O  love 
the  Lord  :  praise  him  for  his  grace,  which  keeps  you  ; 
and  that  his  promises  still  invite  and  encourage  you : 
"  for  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the 
Fatherf  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous,"  and  "  his  blood 
cleanseth  from  all  sin."    1  John,  2  :  1,  and  1  :  7. 


Oct.  4. — Peter  was  grieved,  because  he  said  unto  Mm  the  third 
ti7ne,  Lovest  thou  me?   John,  21 :  17. 

Peter  had  grieved  his  Lord  by  three  denials  of  him  : 
now  his  Lord  grieves  Peter  with  three  questions  of  his 
love  to  him.  We  may  often  read  our  sins  in  our  punish- 
ment j  Peter's  Lord  suffered  him  to  fall,  to  lower  his 
pride  and  self-confidence  ;  and  having  been  brought  by 
his  sins  into  the  valley  of  humiliation,  our  Lord  lets  the 
burden  of  them  rest  upon  him  for  a  season.  A  little 
while  ago  he  boasted  of  his  superlative  love  to  Christ, 
above  all  the  rest  of  his  disciples:  "Though  all  men 
shall  be  offended  because  of  thee,  yet  will  I  never  be 
offended — I  am  ready  to  go  with  thee  both  to  prison 
and  to  death — though  I  should  die  with  thee,  yet  will  I 
not  deny  thee."  Brave  words!  Who  can  doubt  of  the 
sincerity  of  Peter's  heart  in  all  this  1 

Hence  learn  that  the  warm  frames  of  young  converts 
are  often  attended  with  great  self-confidence  ;  there  is 
much  of  nature's  fire  in  them.  My  heart  has  often  re- 
joiced and  been  warmed  with  love  to  hear  the  ardor  and 


OCTOBER  5.  407 

ener^  with  which  son^  in  their  first  love  have  spoken 
of  '^  a  precious  Saviour :  but  I  have  thought,  their  sift- 
ing time  will  come ;  the  Lord  keep  your  poor  hearts 
humble  before  him." 

See  the  unchangeable  love  and  sovereign  grace  of 
Christ  to  his  dear  disciples.  He  told  Peter  of  his  fall, 
and  warned  him  against  it ;  yea,  set  before  him  every 
particular  aggravation  of  it.  How  blind  are  those  who 
see  not  here  the  divinity  of  our  Lord !  Notwithstand- 
ing this,  Peter  abates  nothing  of  his  self-confidence. 
Must  his  fall  cure  himl  Not  that,  but  Christ's  grace 
raised  and  restored  him.  Falls  into  sin  naturally  harden 
through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin :  take  heed  of  looking 
to  saints'  falls  to  make  you  think  little  of  your  own. 
Peter's  fall  was  a  damnable  sin  ;  he  deserved  hell  for  it : 
Christ  snatched  him  as  a  brand  out  of  the  fire.  His 
grace  brings  good  out  of  the  evil  of  sin.  Let  us  glory 
in  grace,  but  beware  of  sin. 

Souls  raised  by  the  grace  of  Christ  are  grieved  for 
their  base  sins  and  falls ;  though  the  subject  between 
Christ  and  Peter  was  love,  yet  it  grieves  :  no  threats  of 
damnation  wound  new  born  souls  like  love  :  ^^Lovest 
thou  meV^  saith  the  Lord.  Look  back,  soul,  to  thy  past 
conduct ;  say,  was  there  warm  and  generous  love  to  thy 
Lord  in  it  %  0,  the  thought  of  past  unkindness  to  Christ 
grieves  the  soul  before  him.  As  Christ  repeat!?  the  ques- 
tion, grief  is  enlarged.  Never  think  you  are  truly 
raised  from  your  falls  and  restored  to  the  love  of  Christ, 
if  you  have  not  grief  of  heart  for  them  :  Christ's  grace 
melts  into  love  ;  love  sinks  into  humility,  while  it  kindles 
the  fire  of  joy  and  excites  a  godly  jealousy. 


Oct.  5. — Moses  eyidured,  as  seeing  Him  icJio  is  invisible. 

Hebrews,  11:27. 
What  a  paradox  !  '^  Seeing  Him  who  is  invisible."    Is 


408  OCTOBER  5. 

not  this  the  very  height  of  enthusiasm '?  Enthusiam  !  I 
love  that  term,  and  in  the  very  sense  in  which  worldly 
men  use  it  too  ;  for  they  mean  one  who  has  the  zeal  and 
fire  of  godliness  in  his  soul.  Is  it  any  marvel  that  scrip- 
tural, experimental  truths  are  foolishness  to  the  spiri- 
tually blind,  and  that  they  can  neither  endure  the  persons 
nor  the  language  of  the  children  of  faith  1 

Consider,  What  did  Moses  endure  1  What  you,  and  I, 
and  every  enlightened  soul  are  called  to  endure,  ''  the 
reproach  of  Christ,"  and  "  suffering  affliction  with  the 
people  of  God."  Now  this  is  opposed  by  "  enjoying  the 
pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season."  So  that  if  you  will  enjoy 
the  pleasures  of  sin  with  the  men  of  this  world,  you 
may  escape  "  the  reproach  of  Christ "  and  avoid  suffer- 
ing affliction  from  them.  Now,  which  is  your  choice  1 
If  Christ  is  in  your  eye,  you  cannot  hesitate  one  mo- 
ment :  Moses'  choice  will  be  yours  :  ''Give  me  Christ — 
welcome  reproach — afflictions  I  embrace  for  him.  O  let 
me  have  Christ  within  me,  and  his  mark  upon  me.  Faith 
makes  all  easy  :  love  makes  all  pleasant :  hope  makes  all 
joyful."  Well,  but  how  could  Moses  endure  the  re- 
proach ot  Christ,  before  Christ  was  born  in  the  flesh  1 
Why,  the  promised  Messiah  was  the  object  of  his  faith, 
his  hope,  his  love  and  his  joy  :  so  he  was  of  ail  these 
heroes  of  faith  recorded  in  this  chapter.  ''  Jesus  Christ, 
the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever,"  is  the  one 
only  object  of  every  sinner's  faith  since  the  fall  of 
Adam  to  this  day  :  take  away  Christ,  and  faith  has 
no  existence. 

How  did  Moses  endure  1  Just  as  you  and  I  must,  see- 
ing: this  implies  a  continued  act  of  the  mind  constant- 
ly fixed  upon  an  object.  We  cannot  be  steadfast  in 
faith,  joyful  in  hope,  abounding  in  love,  and  enduring 
reproach  for  Christ,  unless  we  are  continually  ''  look- 
ing unto  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith,  who, 
for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross, 


OCTOBER  6.  409 

despising  the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at  the  right  hand 
of  the  throne  of  God."  Heb.  12  :  2.  Though  he  is  invisi- 
ble to  the  eye  of  sense,  yet  we  see  him  by  the  eye  of 
faith:  see  him  as  our  forerunner,  entered  into  heaven 
for  us — having  removed  out  of  the  way  all  things  that 
hindered  us — ever  living  to  pray  for  us — ever  ready  to 
keep  us — and  waiting  to  receive  us  to  himself,  that 
where  he  is  there  we  may  be  also.  0,  this  constant  look 
ing  makes  hopeful,  holy,  joyful  living,  and  comfortable 
dying. 


Oct.  6. —  Whose  names  are  in  the  hook  of  life.     Phil.  4:3. 

How  did  Paul  know  that  \  Had  he  seen  the  book  of 
life,  when  caught  up  to  the  third  heavens  1  No  ;  but  he 
very  plainly  and  evidently  saw  the  \vork  of  God's  Spirit 
upon  these  persons'  souls,  by  their  fruits  of  faith  and 
labors  of  love  to  the  glory  of  the  Lord  Jesus  :  hence  he 
speaks  so  confidently  of  them.  This  furnishes  us  with 
some  glorious  truths. 

The  names  of  all  God's  chosen  people  are  registered 
in  the  book  of  life,  called  the  Lamb's  book  of  life.  Rev. 
21  :  27.  This  implies  the  eternal  love  of  God  to  them  ; 
choice  of  them,  personal  knowledge  of  each  of  them, 
value  for  them,  care  over  them,  and  their  certain  enjoy- 
ment of  God  in  heaven  and  glory :  for,  says  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  '^  they  shall  be  mine  in  that  day  when  I  make  up 
my  jewels."  Mai.  3  :  17.  But  may  not  the  name  of  a  be- 
liever in  Christ  be  blotted  out  of  this  book  of  life  and  he 
suffered  to  perish  \  No,  saith  the  Lamb,  "  T  will  not  blot 
his  name  out  of  the  book  of  life."  Rev.  3  :  5.  It  is  his 
book  :  they  are  too  dearly  loved  and  too  dearly  bought, 
to  be  blotted  out.  Not  all  the  powers  of  sin,  earth  and 
hell,  can  make  him  a  liar :  he  has  said,  ''  T  give  unto  my 
sheep  eternal  life  ;  they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall 
any  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand."  John,  10:28.    Saj-, 

S.  Treasury-  10 


410  OCTOBER  7. 

believer,  what  hadst  thou  done  to  deserve  that  thy  name 
should  be  enrolled  in  the  annals  of  eternal  love  1  What 
canst  thou  do  to  merit  its  continuance  in  the  book  of 
life  1  Methinks  thy  generous,  loving  soul  recoils  at 
these  thoughts.  Love  did  the  mighty  deed :  grace 
reigns :  salvation  from  first  to  last  is  all  of  free-gift  to 
the  glory  of  God. 

Those  whose  names  are  written  in  the  book  of  life 
may  attain  to  a  comfortable  knowledge  of  it.  How  1  Not 
by  seeing  this  book  ;  not  by  any  voice,  visions,  or  fresh 
revelations  from  heaven  :  but  says  Paul  of  these,  "  They 
labored  with  me  in  the  Gospel."  This  implies  faith  in 
the  Lord  Jesus,  love  to  him,  delight  in  him  and  in  the 
Gospel  of  his  grace.  When  the  Gospel  is  indeed  good 
news  to  us  miserable  sinners  ;  when  we  see  the  glory  of 
the  Father,  Son  and  Spirit,  shine  in  it ;  when  it  capti- 
vates our  affections,  enlivens  our  hearts^  invigorates  our 
minds,  animates  our  hopes,  brings  peace  to  our  con- 
sciences, and  subdues  the  whole  man,  to  give  up  all  for 
it,  and  to  live  under  its  influence,  we  may  be  well  as- 
sured that  our  names  are  written  in  heaven  :  for  the 
power  of  God  hath  effected  this  upon  our  heart,  as  a 
consequence  of  it,  and  a  sure  evidence  to  prove  it.  "  We 
are  chosen  from  the  beginning  to  salvation,  through 
sanctification  of  the.  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth."  2 
Thess.  2 :  13.  Without  a  holy  faith  in  Jesus,  a  holy  life 
from  him,  and  a  holy  walk  before  him,  we  can  enjoy 
no  comfort  from  electing  love.  But  these  are  evident 
tokens  of  the  salvation  of  God.    Phil.  1  :  28. 


Oct.  7. — I  am  the  Lord^  I  change  7iol,  therefore  ye  sons  of 
Jacob  arc  not  consuined.  Malachi,  3  :  6. 

Religion  without  feeling  is  like  a  body  without  a  soul : 
feeling  without  truth  is  only  nature  warmt'd  by  fancy. 
Those  are  the  only  precious  feelings  which  are  caused 


OCTOBER  7.  411 

by  the  word  of  God  :  it  is  well  when  we  can  say,  ''  I  re- 
joice at  thy  word,  as  one  that  findeth  great  spoil."  Psalm 
119  :  162.  Why  such  exceeding  joy  1  Because  the  word 
of  God  testifies  of  the  immutable  nature  and  unchange- 
able love  of  a  covenant  God  to  poor  sinners.  "  lam  the 
Lord, "-Jehovah,  Father,  Son  and  Spirit,-''  I  change  not." 

Here  is  the  believer's  security  from  destruction  :  in 
this  consists  his  safety  unto  salvation  ;  for  alas  !  we  are 
poor  changeable  creatures.  Now,  our  souls  are  strong 
in  confidence,  warm  w^ith  love,  joyful  through  hope,  en- 
larged in  prayer,  with  Christ  in  our  view  and  glory  in 
our  eye  ;  anon,  a  cloud  arises  in  the  horizon  of  our 
hearts,  unbelief  prevails,  corruptions  rage,  all  nature  is 
in  a  ferment,  and  the  soul  in  distress :  then,  what  has 
it  to  look  to  for  hope  and  support  1  An  unchangeable 
God,  who  is  of  one  mind ;  with  v/hom  is  no  variable- 
ness, neither  shadow  of  turning.  Job,  23  :  13.  James, 
1  :  17.  A  precious  Jesus,  who  is  ''  the  same  yesterday, 
and  to-day,  and  for  ever."  Heb.  13:8.  ''  The  Lord  thy 
God  in  the  midst  of  thee,  is  mighty:  he  will  save,  he 
will  rejoice  over  thee  with  joy  :  he  will  rest  in  his  love  : 
he  will  joy  over  thee  with  singing."  Zeph.  3:  17.  The 
different  frames  and  feelings  which  distress  us  do  not 
affect  God  nor  cause  any  change  in  his  love  to  us.  A 
changeable  God  must  be  an  unhappy  being  like  our- 
selves 5  but  God  never  changes  in  his  love,  purposes, 
and  grace  to  us. 

He  did  not  love  us,  choose  us,  and  set  his  heart  upon 
us  on  account  of  what  he  saw  in  us,  but  as  he  viewed 
us  in  the  Son  of  his  love.  We  are  unrighteous  sinners 
in  ourselves  j  but  he  sees  in  Christ  an  everlasting  atone- 
ment for  our  sins,  an  everlasting  righteousness  to  justi- 
fy us  :  therefore  he  is  ever  pleased  with  us  in  Christ ; 
ever  of  one  mind  concerning  us  ;  ever  rests  in  his  love 
to  us  and  joys  over  us  :  no  change  in  us  can  ever  affect 
his  mind,  his  love,  or  his  joy. 


412  OCTOBER  8. 

Hence  learn  not  to  live  upon  any  thing  you  are  in 
yourself.  Bless  God  for  lively  frames  and  comfortable 
feelings ;  but  know,  these  are  not  Christ ;  they  do  not 
make  you  acceptable  to  God.  Look  to  what  you  are 
in  Christ;  that  is  your  glory.  God  so  views  and  loves 
yon.  Look  here,  live  here,  and  rejoice.  So  you  will  be 
like  God,  of  one  mind  with  Jesus,  live  upon  him,  and 
walk  to  the  glory  of  your  God  and  Father  in  him. 


Oct.  8. — My  son,  he  strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jeaus. 
2  Timothy,  2:1. 

Paul  had  known  what  it  was  to  be  strong  in  vain  con- 
fidence and  self-righteous  hopes  5  to  be  strong  in  rage 
and  persecution  against  Christ  and*  his  people  :  but  his 
poor  soul  had  severely  smarted  for  all  this.  Now  that 
Christ  had  taken  possession  of  his  heartj  He  was  all  in 
all  to  him  ;  he  thought  he  could  never  enough  recom- 
mend Him  and  His  grace  to  his  dear  friends.  O  let  us 
imitate  him. 

"  The  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus :"  Because  of  our 
low,  scanty  thoughts  of  his  rich  grace,  we  are  low  in 
courage  against  our  enemies,  and  weak  in  the  joy  of 
our  souls.  There  is  much  more  in  this  than  many  sup- 
pose, as  though  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  procure 
some  grace  for  us,  then  leaves  us  to  be  faithful  to 
it,  and  thus  to  secure  our  own  salvation.  What  kind  of 
grace  is  thisl  Not  saving  grace:  if  this  were  all,  it- 
would  end  in  our  certain  destruction  ;  but  the  grace,  or 
favor  that  is  in  Christ  towards  us,  is  nothing  less  than 
the  everlasting  love  of  God  to  us  :  an  everlasting  atone- 
ment for  our  sins  r  an  everlasting  righteousness  to  jus- 
tify our  persons:  an  everlasting  salvation  for  our  souls; 
and  the  everlasting  consolations  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  all 
promised  to  us  in  the  everlasting  Gospel,  and  enjoyed 
by  faith. 


OCTOBER  9.  413 

Be  strong  in  this  grace :  fortify  your  mind :  fence 
yourself  round  with  it:  entrench  yourself  in  it:  let 
your  confidence  be  strong  in  it  against  all  opposing 
enemies  j  be  bold  in  faith ;  strong  in  hope  ;  firm  in  the 
grace  of  Christ :  rest  not  in  any  degree  of  grace  re- 
ceived ;  but  be  strong  in  the  fulness  of  the  grace  that  is 
in  Christ.  Are  your  lusts  and  corruptions  strong  1  Op- 
pose the  almighty  grace  of  Christ  to  them.  Are  your 
doubts  and  fears  strong  1  Be  strong  in  the  precious  pro- 
mises which  are  in  Christ  Jesus  yea  and  amen,  to 
the  glory  of  God.  2  Cor.  1  :  20.  Are  your  conflicts, 
temptations,  and  distresses  strong  1  Flee  for  refuge  to 
Jesus,  the  hope  set  before  you  :  there  is  strong  consola- 
tion for  you !  God  knowing  our  distress  and  d-ejection 
through  the  prevalence  of  unbelief,  has  graciously  con- 
firmed his  council  and  promise  by  his  oath.  Can  you, 
dare  you  think  it  possible  for  God  to  lie  1  Then,  wliat- 
ever  in  nature,  sense  and  feeling  oppose,  "  stagger  not 
at  the  promise  of  God  through  unbelief;"  but  *'  be 
strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to  God."    Rom.  4  :  20- 


Oct.  9. — Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith^  lay  hold  on  eternal  life, 
1  Timothy,  6:  12. 

The  soldiers  of  an  earthly  monarch  are  regularly  en- 
listed to  fight  under  his  banner  :  they  wear  his  livery 
and  are  furnished  by  him  with  arms :  in  the  day  of  bat- 
tle they  prove  their  courage  and  faithfulness.  So  the 
Captain  of  our  salvation  chooses  and  enlists  his  own 
soldiers:  he  puts  on  them  a  livery  whereby  they  are 
known  to  his  enemies :  he  puts  an  armor  on  them  and 
weapons  into  their  hands.  From  the  moment  they 
enlist  under  him,  they  enter  the  field  of  battle:  there  is 
never  any  peace  with  the  enemy ;  the  fight  is  the  good 
fight  of  faith  ;  the  prize  is  eternal  life  ;  the  daily  word 
of   command  is,  fight — stand  to   your   arms — give    no 


414  OCTOBER  9. 

quarter  to  the  enemy — beware  of  the  least  truce  with 
them;  for  the  danger  is  great,  the  effects  will  prove 
awful. 

It  IS  a  good  fight :  it  is  in  a  good  cause  ;  under  a  good 
Captain,  who  gives  good  encouragement,  and  has  assur- 
ed us  of  certain  victory  over  the  worst  of  enemies. 
Fight  this  good  fight  for  the  glory  of  Him,  who,  in  dying 
for  us,  has  for  ever  conquered  all  who  are  against  us. 
But  they  are  not  all  dead  yet :  fight  on. 

It  is  a  good  fight  o(  faith.  Dost  thou  say  I  have  no 
faith  1  Then  pull  off  thy  soldier's  livery.  What  hast 
thou  to  do  in  the  ranks  1  But  who  told  thee  that  thou 
art  destitute  of  faith  1  Why,  thou  hast  laid  down  thy 
shield,  and  art  in  the  enemy's  camp ;  he  has  seduced 
thee  by  his  deceitful  insinuations,  and  will  prevail  over 
thee.  No  faith  !  What  meanest  thou  1  Instead  of  fight- 
ing against  the  enemy,  thou  art  parleying  with  him. 
Dost  thou  believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God,  the  Sa- 
viour of  sinners'?  Yes,  sayest  thou,  but  I  have  not  the 
comfort  of  knowing  that  he  is  my  Saviour  !  What  then  1 
Wilt  thou  deny  thy  faith  for  want  of  comfort  1  Desert 
thy  Lord's  banner  till  thou  hast  assurance  of  his  love  % 
Fight  on  against  thy  worst  foe,  unbelief,  and  cry  to  thy 
best  friend,  "  Lord,  increase  my  faith."  The  battle  is 
the  Lord's  :  thy  strength  is  from  him  :  "  be  of  good 
courage,  and  he  shall  strengthen  your  heart,  all  ye  that 
hope  in  the  Lord."  Psalm  31 :24. 

Lay  hold  on  eternal  life  ;  it  is  the  free  gift  of  God. 
Lay  hold  of  it  by  faith  ;  possess  and  enjoy  it  now  in 
the  belief  of  thy  heart ;  hold  it  fast  in  hope  :  quit  not 
thy  confidence  in  it ;  so  shall  thy  heart  be  warm  with 
love,  thy  spirit  filled  with  joy,  and  thine  arms  made 
strong  to  fight,  until  thou  art  crowned  in  eternal  glory. 
Remember,  "  the  joy  of  thy  Lord  is  thy  strength." 
When  death,  the  last  enemy  comes,  hold  fast  thy  faith, 
and  thou  shalt  sing  victory  in  death. 


OCTOBER  10.  415 

Oct.  10. — Having  a  form  of  godliness^  hut  denying  the  power 
thereof,  from  such  turn  away.  2  Tim.  3  :  5. 

Paul  says,  ''  The  Gospel  is  the  power  of  God."  Rom. 
1  :  16— and  ''  Christ  is  the  power  of  God."  1  Cor.  1 :  24— 
and  "  our  faith  standeth  in  the  power  of  God."  1  Cor. 
2:5.  Hence  it  is  plain  that  godliness  is  powerful  uppn 
the  soul :  it  consists  not  in  form  and  shadow,  not  in  no- 
tion and  speculation,  but  in  the  real  enjoyment  of  Christ 
in  the  heart  j  and  in  an  experimental  knowledge  of  the 
grace  of  the  Gospel  through  faith  :  it  is  the  grand  concern 
of  every  living  member  of  Christ,  to  enjoy  more  of  the 
light,  life,  liberty,  and  power  of  Christ  and  his  Gospel. 

While  those  who  have  only  the  form  of  godliness 
are  content  if  their  heads  are  clear  in  the  notions  of  di- 
vine truth  ;  if  they  can  but  see  a  harmony  and  consist- 
ency in  the  plan  of  salvation,  give  a  good  account  of 
the  doctrines  of  grace,  talk  fluently  about  them,  and 
contend  earnestly  for  them,  they  are  content,  and  seek 
nothing  more.  They  place  all  religion  in  head  know- 
ledge, while  they  are  careless  about  real  heart  expe- 
rience: such  persons  are  visible  and  manifest  by  their 
life  and  walk  ;  they  talk  high,  but  -live  low ;  they  soar 
aloft  in  notion,  but  live  in  earthly  pleasures  and  sensual 
delights.  0  they  have  the  form  of  godliness  in  their 
heads,  but  their  hearts  are  devoid  of  the  power  of  the 
Spirit,  the  warm  influences  of  the  love  of  God,  and  the 
grace  of  Christ :  they  deny  all  this  ;  if  not  in  word,  yet 
in  life  and  action. 

What  does  the  apostle  advise  concerning  such  per- 
sons'! To  aim  to  convince  them,  and  strive  to  convert 
their  hearts  to  the  power  of  the  truth  1  No  :  they  are 
so  fortified  with  head  knowledge  that  you  cannot  reach 
their  hearts ;  it  would  be  but  lost  labor  to  attempt  it  j 
therefjore,  from  such  turn  away :  leave  them  ;  you  can 
do  them  no  good :  they  may  do  you  much  harm. 


416  OCTOBER  11. 

You  may  imbibe  their  spirit  and  temper :  it  is  conta- 
gious. We  may  say  of  such  as  Solomon  says  of  the 
furious  man,  ''  Make  no  friendship  with  him,  with  him 
thou  shalt  not  go,  lest  thou  learn  his  ways,  and  get  a 
snare  to  thy  soul."  Prov^  22 :  24,  25.  Such  professors 
greatly  damp  the  zeal  of  faith,  the  joy  of  hope,  and  the 
comfort  of  love,  which  are  enjoyed  in  communion  and 
fellowship  with  God  and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  As  they 
have  no  heart  to  it,  nor  relish  for  it,  their  conversation 
will  not  savor  of  it  j  so  that  you  will  get  no  help  for- 
ward, but  rather  be  driven  backward.  You  will  be  in 
danger  of  supposing  that  you  can  enjoy  God  and  the 
world  ;  have  fellowship  with  both  in  your  heart,  if  you 
but  have  knowledge  in  your  head  ;  and  of  learning  many 
specious,  but  carnal  reasons,  for  throwing  off  all  self- 
denial,  and  indulging  a  light,  trifling,  worldly  spirit. 


Oct.  11 — Behold,  here  am  I,  let  him  do  to  me  as  see^ncth  good 
unto  him,    2  Samuel,  15  :  26. 

Here  is  majesty  in  distress,  a  kingdom  in  confusion, 
and  the  king's  royal  heart  struck  with  panic.  Every 
circumstance  concurs  to  heighten  poor  David's  sorrow : 
his  own  son  had  stolen  away  the  hearts  of  his  subjects, 
raised  a  most  unnatural  rebellion  against  his  royal  fa- 
ther, and  caused  him  to  flee  from  his  city.  Very  excel- 
lently says  one,  "  Let  a  child  of  God  be  but  two  or  three 
years  without  an  affliction,  and  he  is  almost  good  for 
nothing ;  he  cannot  pray,  or  meditate,  or  discourse  as  he 
was  wont  to  do :  but  when  a  new  affliction  comes  he 
finds  his  tongue ;  he  comes  to  his  knees  with  fervency, 
and  lives  at  another  rate." 

Perhaps  David  was  never  more  weaned  from  self- 
confidence,  nor  did  his  faith  ever  run  higher,  nor  was 
his  soul  bowed  lower,  nor  did  he  ever  breathe  with  more 


OCTOBER  11.  417 

humble  submission  to  divine  sovereignty  than  at  this 
time,  O  how  does  his  grace  shine  in  this  speech  !  As 
though  he  had  said  to  Zadok  the  priest :  ''  Return  with 
the  ark  :  I  hope  I  shall  have  the  Lord's  real  presence 
with  me,  though  I  have  not  the  symbol  of  it :  I  see  my- 
self in  his  hands  :  I  firmly  believe  God's  everlasting  love 
to  me:  he  is  my  Saviour  and  my  salvation:  I  know  my 
immortal  soul  is  safe  :  how  he  will  direct  the  event  of 
this  dark  providence  I  know  not.  If  it  appears  that  the 
Lord  has  no  delight  in  me  as  the  king  of  his  people, 
if  he  suffers  my  crown  and  kingdom  to  be  taken  from 
me,  his  will  be  done  ;  he  has  a  sovereign  right  to  put 
down  one  and  set  up  another.  By  him  kings  reign:  by 
his  will  they  are  deposed.  Beheld,  here  I  am,  let  him 
do  unto  me  as  it  seemeth  good  unto  him.  Love  makes 
all  things  work  together  for  good." 

O  christian,  dost  thou  not  admire  David's  faith  in 
God,  his  resignation  to  the  divine  will,  his  submission  to 
sovereign  purposes,  and  his  unreserved  acquiescence 
in  the  counsel  of  the  Lord  1  Let  that  man  blush  who 
would  dare  impeach  the  character  or  speak  of  the  faith 
of  David,  as  though  it  was  not  to  be  compared  with  the 
faith  of  a  christian.  O  for  more  of  the  grace  of  faith,  to 
follow  the  bright  example  of  this  Old  Testament  saint. 
Though  his  own  beloved  son,  though  his  own  dear  sub- 
jects were  against  him ;  though  driven  from  his  palace, 
yet  the  presence  of  his  God  and  the  power  of  his  Spirit 
were  with  him.  Vv^'ell  might  David  say,  "  It  is  good  for 
me  that  I  have  been  afflicted."  Psalm  119  :  71.  Ever 
remember,  O  soul,  whatever  thy  afflictions  may  be,  who- 
ever may  be  against  thee  to  heighten  them  and  aggra- 
vate thy  sorrows,  yet  the  Lord  hath  said,  "  I  will  never 
leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee."  Heb.  13  :  5. 

18* 


418  OCTOBER  12. 

Oct.  12 — Jesus  said,  Why  are  ye  troubled?  And  why  do 
thoughts  arise  in  your  hearts  ?  Luke,  24  ;  38. 
Help,  O  help  us,  thou  blessed  Redeemer,  who  didst 
speak  these  words  to  thy  affrighted  disciples,  to  gather 
some  sweet  consolation  from  them  to  our  hearts  ;  Thou 
didst  pray  for  all  who  should  believe  on  thee.    John, 

17  :  20;  O  speak  in  life  and  power  these  words  to  our 
troubled  hearts,  and  forbid  the  rising  thoughts  of  dis- 
tress. Thine  is  the  power  ;  thine  shall  be  the  glory. 
We  here  see  that,  though  their  dear  Lord  is  present, 
his  beloved  disciples  are  troubled :  yea,  and  though  he 
had  but  that  moment  pronounced  Peace  unto  you,  yet 
fears  again  arose  in  their  hearts :  they  were  as  we  are, 
flesh  as  well  as  spirit :  men  of  like  passions  with  us. 
The  dread, fear  and  trouble  to  which  nature  is  subject 
reach  the  hearts  even  of  disciples.  But  they  do  not  alter 
our  state,  nor  separate  us  from  the  love  of  Christ :  this 
is  a  cordial  under  heart  troubles,  and  the  rising  of  all 
evil,  blasphemous,  or  horrid  thoughts. 

Christ  is  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities  : 
he  sympathizes  with  us  in  what  is  distressing :  he  asks, 
Why  are  ye  troubled  1  Why  do  ye  give  way  to  unrea- 
sonable fears  and  terrors,  which  distract  and  distress 
your  mindl  He  takes  pains  to  remove  them  :  ''  Behold 
my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I  myself;"  no  other 
than  your  dear  and  loving  Saviour.  0  the  condescend- 
ing grace  of  Christ !  He  manifests  himself  to  us.  ^ 
sight  of  Christ  by  faith  dispels  trouble  and  fear  from 
our  hearts. 

Whatever  troubles,  fears,  or  distress  arise  in  our 
hearts,  we  are  encouraged  with  all  freedom  of  soul  and 
boldness  of  hope,  to  go  to  him.  Now,  to  the  shame  of 
our  hearts  and  the  sorrow  of  our  souls,  have  not  you 
and  I  acted  contrary  to  this  1  Instead  of  simply  going 
to  Christ  with  our  distresses,  have  we  not  questioned 
bhs  love  to  us  and  care  for  us  1  Thus  Satan  gets  an  ad- 


OCTOBER  13.  419 

vantage  over  us  ;  and  the  Saviour  gets  no  glory  from 
us.  O,  fools  that  we  are,  and  slow  of  heart  to  believe 
that  Jesus  died  for  our  sins,  rose  again  for  our  justifica- 
tion, and  that  he  is  '^  able  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost 
that  come  unto  God  -by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to 
make  intercession  for  them."  Heb.  7 :  25.  Let  faith 
then  live,  and  fear  be  banished  :  away  with  all  thoughts 
that  trouble  our  hearts.  Look  from  within  :  look  up. 
Jesus  is  before  the  throne /or  us :  '^  in  the  multitude  of 
my  thoughts  within  me,  thy  comforts  delight  my  soul ;" 
"  though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  tro'uble,  thou  wilt  re* 
Vive  me."    Psalm  94  :  19,  and  138  :  7- 


Oct.  13. — The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  he  ivith  thy  spirits 
2  Tim.  4:22. 

A  most  precious  benediction  !  How  blind  are  all  u'ho 
deny  the  divinity  of  Christ !  How  miserable  are  all  who 
live  without  the  presence  of  Christ !  How  ignorant  are 
all  who  know  not  that  such  a  blessing  may  be  enjoyed  ! 
How  stupid  are  all  those  who  seek  it  not^  Art  not  thou, 
O  christian,  wanting,  in  not  more  earnestly  seeking 
and  constantly  praying  for  more  of  the  presence  of  thy 
Lord  \  Consider  what  is  implied  in  this  wish.  It  is 
heaven  in  the  heart,  glory  in  the  soul,  to  have  Christ 
with  our  spirits :  it  disposes  and  qualifies  the  soul  for 
heavenly  glory. 

Christ's  presence  sweetens  our  bad  tempers,  and  sub- 
dues our  unruly  passions.  Boisterous  waves  are  changed 
into  a  profound  calm  ;  rough  winds  are  at  peace  :  foam- 
ing billows  are  still  :  there  is  the  calm  sunshine  of  heart- 
felt joy  within  :  all  is  serene  and  happy  without.  Christ's 
presence  banishes  haughty  pride  and  furious  anger.  It 
fills  the  soul  with  love  :  love  to  God  and  man.  We  can- 
not enjoy  the  presence  of  Jesus  without  loving  him  as 
our  Lord.  It  is  love  that  causes  him  to  be  present  with 
our  spirits,  and  our  spirits  catch  the  flame  of  love  from 


420  OCTOBER  14. 

him :  and  if  we  love  God,  this  love  will  diffuse  itself  to 
our  brethren  also. 

Christ's  presence  counsels  and  directs  us  in  all  our 
difficulties.  We  are  often  in  the  dark,  both  as  to  provi- 
dence and  grace  :  in  things  temporal  and  spiritual :  as 
to  our  bodies  and  souls :  but  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
causes  light ;  solves  every  difficulty,  and  makes  our 
way  plain  before  our  eyes.  It  enables  us  to  bear  up 
under  all  our  distresses,  and  comforts  our  hearts  while 
afflictions  bow  down  our  spirits. 

Christ's  presence  fortifies  us  with  strength  to  fight 
manfully  against  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil.  We 
can  do  all  things,  through  Christ  strengthening  us :  it  is 
out  of  his  fulness  we  receive  grace  for  our  every  need. 
His  presence  animates  us  in  the  discharge  of  every 
duty,  and  enlivens  the  exercise  of  every  grace.  His 
presence  makes  sin  hateful,  our  souls  humble,  the  world 
contemptible,  temptations  tolerable,  self-denial  easy,  the 
cross  glorious,  Satan  to  flee  from  us,  vanquishes  hell, 
conquers  death,  makes  the  passage  to  glory  delightful, 
and  heaven  most  earnestly  longed  for,  that  without  in- 
terruption we  may  be  ever  present  with  the  Lord.  O, 
use  every  means  to  enjoy  the  Lord's  presence.  Avoid 
all  things  which  may  cause  him  to  withdraw  it : 
"  Grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God."  Eph.  4  :  30. 


Oct.  14. — Earnestly  contend  for  the  faith  which  was  once  de- 
livered unto  the  saints.    Jude,  3. 

When  Paul  was  preaching  the  most  important  truths 
of  the  everlasting  Gospel  at  Corinth,  he  was  brought 
before  the  judgment-seat  and  accused  for  his  doctrine. 
Poor  Gallio  would  not  concern  himself  about  the  mat- 
ter :  he  looked  on  it  all  as  a  strife  of  words,  and  a  con- 
tention about  names.  "  I  will  be  no  judge,"  said  he.  He 
"  cared  for  none  of  these  things :"  his  heart  was  totally 


OCTOBER  14.  421 

unacquainted  with  the  faith  of  God's  saints.  Art  thou  a 
partaker  of  like  precious  faith  with  the  apostles  1  And 
canst  thou  be  a  Gallio  too  1  Know,  if  thou  wilt  not  con- 
tend for  the  faith,  that  hell  and  earth  are  in  arms  to  con 
tend  against  it. 

What  is  the  faith  here  spoken  of  1  It  includes  the  doc- 
trines of  faith  revealed  in  the  word  of  God;  the  whole 
scheme  of  evangelical  truth,  inspired  by  the  Spirit  of 
truth  :  these  are  received  by  faith  ;  are  the  rule,  the  war- 
rant, the  support,  and  the  glory  and  joy  of  faith  :  such 
as  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  in  unity  :  the  everlasting 
covenant  of  grace  :  the  result  of  God's  everlasting  love 
to  his  people  :  the  incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God  to  save 
us:  our  regeneration  by  the  Spirit;  and  full  and  com- 
plete salvation  by  grace.  It  includes  also  the  great  ob- 
ject of  faith  :  Christ  received  into  the  heart  by  faith,  by 
whom  we  have  peace  with  God,  pardon  of  sin,  justifica- 
tion, boldness  to  draw  nigh  to  him,  and  sweet  fellowship 
with  him.  Now  these  truths  are  delivered  to,  and  re- 
ceived by  saints. 

Says  Jude,  ''  Beloved,  it  was  needful  that  I  should  ex- 
hort you" — to  whatl  To  contend  ear?iesily,  heartily, 
with  warmth  of  zeal,  with  a  holy  glow  of  affection,  in 
good  earnest.  Disciple,  improve  this  word  of  exhorta- 
tion. Consider  that  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  and  your 
receiving  them  are  of  the  greatest  moment  to  your  w^ell- 
being  as  a  christian.  Some  ignorantly  call  the  doctrines 
of  the  Gospel  mere  opinions  ;  just  as  if  it  was  indifferent 
whether  they  are  believed  or  not.  Stand  reproved,  ye 
Laodicean  spirits,  who  have  not  a  word  to  say  in  de- 
fence of  your  most  holy  faith,  but  under  a  pretence  of 
peace,  are  cool  and  indifferent  about  the  truth.  Truth  is 
too  great  a  price  at  which  to  purchase  peace.  But  re- 
member, faith  works  by  love:  contend  only  with  the  fire 
of  love  in  your  heart :  eye  Christ  in  all  :  aim  at  his  glory 
by  all :  pray  to  have  his  mind  accompany  all :  with  love 


4-2-3  OCTOBER  15. 

and  pity  to  all,  pray  him  to  bless  all  who  oppose  you, 
if  peradventure  he  may  give  them  repentance  to  the  ac- 
knowledfrinof  the  truth.  Titus,  1  :  1. 


Oct.  15. —  Why  iceepest  thou?  Whom  seekest  thou? 
John,  20:15. 

Profession  of  Christ,  without  affection  to  him,  leaves 
the  heart  in  dead  formality.  What  is  religion  without 
the  affections  1  "What  the  highest  pretensions,  the  great- 
est depth  of  knowledge,  without  love  to  our  dear  Sa- 
viour 1  Here  poor  Mary  discovers  her  affection  to  her 
Lord,  by  weeping  for  him,  and  seeking  after  his  cruci- 
fied body.  The  fire  of  love  in  the  heart  carries  out  the 
soul  beyond  itself.  Tell  me,  sir,  said  she  to  Jesus,  (sup- 
posing him  to  be  the  gardener,)  where  thou  hast  laid 
him,  and  /  will  fake  him  away.  Poor  weak  being,  her 
affections  went  beyond  her  strength  ;  but,  to  her  inex- 
pressible joy  and  comfort,  Jesus  manifested  himself  to 
her.  This  was  written  for  our  instruction.  Come,  ye 
weeping,  disconsolate  souls,  learn  a  lesson  of  encour- 
agement from  your  sister's  conduct  and  your  Lord's 
dealings  with  her. 

Observe,  Christ's  beloved  disciples  have  their  seasons 
of  weeping  and  seeking  him.  They  weep  because  they 
love  Christ :  they  seek  him  because  they  cannot  be 
happy  without  him.  So  the  church,  "  I  sought  him 
whom  my  soul  loveth  :  I  sought  him  but  I  found  him 
not."  Song  3  :  1.  Seeking  Christ  is  an  evidence  of  love 
to  him  ;  seeking  him  sorrowing  and  weeping,  shows  the 
ardency  of  affection.  Poor  distressed  sinner,  who  seest 
thy  want  of  Christ,  knowest  that  thy  all  is  in  him,  and 
canst  not  be  happy  without  him,  be  assured  that  this 
sorrow  of  thine  heart  is  an  evidence  of  his  love  :  there 
is  a  mutual  affection  between  Christ's  heart  and  thine. 
Jesus  Avas  near  to  Mary,  though  she  knew  him  not  j  so 


OCTOBER  IG.  423 

is  he  near  to  every  weeping,  longing  soul,  though  they 
have  not  the  comfort  of  it. 

Clirist  discovers  his  affection  by  his  questions  :  "  Wliy 
weepest  thou  1  Whom  seekest  thou  V  Our  fears  are 
seen ;  our  sorrows  are  felt  by  our  sympathizing  Lord  ; 
our  most  silent  sighs  enter  his  ears  and  pierce  his 
heart  :  but  he  will  know^  the  cause  of  our  sorrows /ro?/i 
our  own  lips.  Pour  out  then  your  hearts  before  him  j 
tell  him  your  complaints.  Do  this  in  the  assurance  of 
faith  that  he  will  manifest  himself  to  you.  He  did  so  to 
Mary :  he  called  her  by  her  name,  Mary,  which  signi- 
fies exalted  :  she  was  exalted  to  know  Christ's  voice,  to 
taste  his  love,  to  be  his  sister  and  spouse,  and  to  live  in 
sweet  union  to  him  and  communion  with  him.  O  soul, 
see  whence  your  seeking,  sorrowing  spirit  springs ! 
See  the  blessed  end  in  w^hich  it  terminates.  O,  bless 
Jesus  for  a  heart  to  seek  him  ;  bless  him,  though  you 
seek  him  "  sorrowing."  Thy  Lord  has  assured  thee, 
^'  Every  one  that  asketh  receiveth,  and  he  that  seeketh 
findeth."    Luke    11  :  10. 


Oct.  \Q.—  They  crucified  him.    Matthew,  27  :  35. 

A  short  sentence,  replete  with  the  greatest  import- 
ance to  a  world  of  sinners  :  each  v/ord  in  it  contains 
matter  of  sorrow,  wonder  and  joy.  Here  is  a  fund  for 
meditation.  O  christian,  time  can  never  explore  its 
depths  :  it  will  be  the  glory  of  eternity  to  sing  of,  won- 
der and  adore  a  once  crucified  Jesus.  Let  us  consider 
the  agents — the  work — and  the  subject. 

They  crucified  him.  Who  1  Angels  1  No  ;  they  gaze 
and  wonder  at  the  cruel,  awful  deed,  but  share  not  in 
it.  Devils  %  No  ;  they  instigate  to  it,  they  shout  and 
applaud  the  deed,  but  effect  it  not.  No  ;  the  work  is 
done  by  beings  a  little  lower  than  the  angels,  by  men 
. — men  of  devilish  natures,  cursed  passions,  and  wicked 


424  OCTOBER  17. 

hands :  with  these  they  seize  the  innocent  victim, 
doomed  to  direful  agonies  and  an  accursed  death. 

"  They  crucified,''''  O  the  bloody  deed !  Heaven  that 
hour  let  fall  a  tear.  There  hangs — who  %  A  man  like 
usl  Yes,  but  immaculate,  innocent:  yea  more,  the 
Son  of  God  :  God  and  man  in  one  Christ.  The  Lord  of 
life  and  glory  hung  a  spectacle  to  men  and  angels : 
nailed  his  innocent  hands  and  tender  feet  to  the  trans- 
verse wood,  to  bleed,  and  groan,  and  die. 

Consider  the  subject.  Him  :  Jesus  Christ,  the  anointed 
Saviour.  As  God,  he  loved  sinners  from  all  eternity  :  as 
man,  he  was  born  to  make  sinners  righteous  by  his  obe- 
dience unto  death.  The  work  is  done  :  on  the  cross  he 
finished  it.    What  are  the  effects  1 

"  Seest  thou,  O  sinner,  where  hangs  all  our  hope! 
"  Touched  by  the  cross,  we  live." 

Ever  view  then,  O  soul,  the  sovereign  cure  of  death, 
the  eternal  source  of  life  ;  God  and  man  in  one  Christ, 
on  the  accursed  tree,  to  make  thee  blessed  and  happy. 
Such  is  the  love  of  thy  Saviour  :  such  is  his  salvation. 
Where  is  your  faith  1  O  look,  and  look,  and  look  again, 
till  your  whole  soul  loves  him.  Is  sin  your  grief  and 
burden  \  O,  the  load  of  pain  and  grief  which  Jesus  bore  ! 
"  The  iniquities  of  us  all :"  he  has  taken  them  away  by 
his  07ie  sacrifice.  Remember  this :  plead  this  before  the 
Lord  ;  the  faith  of  this  brings  hope  to  the  most  despe- 
rate and  vile  :  the  best  of  saints  have  no  other.  With 
•  this  faith  and  this  hope  thou  mayest  draw  nigh  to  God  ; 
plead  boldly  before  him  ;  face  death,  and  resist  and  re- 
pel Satan  with  thy  Saviour's  dying  words,  " /z?  is 
fi?iished.^^ 


Oct.  17. — I  am  found  of  them  that  sought  me  not.  Isa.  65  :  1. 

Every  display  of  the  Saviour's  grace  is  a  jewel  in  his 
mediatorial  crown.  O  what  hearts  have  we,  that  we  are 


OCTOBER  17.  425 

not  more  humble  before  him,  more  thankful  to  him,  and 
more  joyful  in  him  !  Jesus,  help  us  sinners  to  look  back, 
to  look  within,  to  look  up,  and  to  look  forward,  that 
it  may  excite  humility,  thankfulness,  and  joy  of  heart. 

Look  back^  O  my  soul :  view  thy  state  by  nature  ; 
asleep  in  the  arms  of  the  wicked  one,  dead  to  God, 
under  the  power  of  sin,  in  love  with  the  world,  blind  to 
the  charms  of  Christ,  without  a  single  desire  after  him, 
or  the  least  care  for  thy  immortal  soul. 

Look  within :  dost  thou  find  affection  to  Jesus  and 
desires  for  him  1  Is  the  language  of  thy  heart,  "  None 
but  Christ  j  I  look  to  none  but  him ;  I  expect  salvation 
from  him,  and  him  only  1"  O,  whence  this  mighty 
change  1  Say,  did  you  first  seek  Christ,  or  Christ  you  % 
Did  your  desires  first  go  out  after  Christ,  or  his  desires 
toward  you  1  O,  in  the  fervor  of  love  you  must  cry  out, 
I  should  have  sunk  to  hell,  without  a  single  desire  of 
salvation  by  Jesus,  if  he  had  not  sought  me  and  made 
himself  manifest  to  me  :  his  grace  was  first  in  the  work. 

Then,  look  up^  give  Jesus  all  the  glory.  O,  to  think, 
when  there  was  nothing  in  us  to  invite  the  loving  Spirit 
down,  but  every  thing  to  cause  him  to  depart  from  us  : 
yet,  0  matchless  love  and  sovereign  grace  !  he  showed 
us  Christ,  drew  us  to  Him,  and  caused  us  to  receive 
Him.  Rejoice,  love,  adore  and  praise.  Who  can  resist 
divine  attraction  1  Who  is  proof  against  divine  love  \ 
Who  that  loves  can  love  enough  % 

Look  forward !  Heaven  is  before  you  :  Jesus  stands 
ready  to  receive  you  :  God  the  Father  to  embrace  you: 
God  the  Son  to  glory  in  you  :  and  God  the  Spirit  to 
triumph  over  you.  Glory  shall  complete  what  grace  has 
begun.  O,  to  study  the  grace  and  love  of  Jesus,  this  is 
our  heaven  below  j  to  praise  him  for  it  will  be  our 
eternal  employ  above. 

But  one  thing  remains,  give  God  the  glory  of  all  this 
amazing  grace:  study  from  day  to  day,  and  from  hour 


426  OCTOBER  18. 

to  hour,  to  do  it  by  the  faith  of  your  heart,  the  word^ 
of  your  lips,  and  the  obedience  of  your  life.  No  con- 
sideration whatever  can  beat  down  your  native  pride, 
sink  you  into  genuine  humility,  animate  with  holy  lt)ve 
to  all  cheerful  obedience,  like  this,  ''  God  commendeth 
his  love  towards  us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners, 
Christ  died  for  us."  Rom.  5:8. 


Oct.  18. — 1  know  tJiou  icilt  bring  me  to  death,  and  to  the  house 
aj)pointed  for  all  living.  Job,  30  :  23. 

What  sweet  familiarity  does  grace  make  between  God 
and  believing  sinners  !  How  freely  can  they  speak  to 
him  upon  that  solemn  event,  death.  In  the  exercise  of 
faith,  we  think  of  it  without  terror,  and  speak  of  it  with 
delight.  Why  so  %  Because  we  have  no  sin,  and  are  not 
sinners  \  No  :  but  because  we  know  Christ,  the  friend 
of  sinners,  who  has  taken  away  our  sins,  conquered 
death  for  us,  subdued  the  fear  of  death  in  us,  brought 
life  and  immortality  to  us,  and  is  ever  before  the  throne 
pleading  for  us. 

We  know  also  that  He  will  bring  us  to  death.  O,  this 
is  soul-comforting  knowledge  !  What,  wilt  thou,  my 
loving  God,  my  precious  Saviour,  who  bore  my  sins  in 
thine  own  body  on  the  tree,  bring  me  to  death  %  Are  the 
issues  of  life  and  death  in  thy  hand  1  Cannot  death  ap- 
proach me  till  thou  give  him  commission,  and  bring  me 
to  death  1  I  thank  thee,  my  dear  Lord,  for  this  know- 
ledge :  then,  death,  thou  art  no  more  the  hideous  monster, 
the  frightful  king  of  terrors  to  my  soul.  No  :  my  best 
Friend  brings  me  to  thee,  that  I  may  salute  thee  as  an 
angel  of  love,  and  embrace  thee  as  a  messenger  of  peace. 

Fond  parents  carry  their  children  to  see  fine  sights,  to 
delight  them  :  they  avoid  spectacles  which  would  terrify 
them  ;  so  doth  our  heavenly  Father  by  us ;  he  brings  us 
to  death  that  we  may  see  and  be  delighted  with  the  glo- 
rious victories  of  his  beloved  Son.  Here  we  behold  him 


OCTOBER  19.  427 

a  triumphant  conqueror  over  sin  and  death,  and  over  the 
devil,  who  had  the  power  of  death.  Our  Father,  God, 
brings  us  to  the  field  of  battle  ;  he  carries  us  through  it ; 
he  shows  us  the  spoils  of  his  Son's  glorious  conquests  ^ 
there,  says  he,  see,  reap  and  wear  the  blessed  trophies 
of  his  victorious  cross  ;  all  are  for  yon,  my  children  j 
your  enemies  are  all  slain ;  a  crown  of  glory  is  won  for 
you  eternally  to  wear  ;  a  kingdom  of  glory  is  obtained 
for  you,  where  j^ou  shall  for  ever  reign.  No  sooner  are 
we  brought  to  the  field  of  battle,  and  carried  through  it, 
than  shouts  of  victory  a\vait  us.  Hark,  hark  to  the  im- 
mortal spirits  above  :  we  shall  soon  be  brought  to  join 
them  in  eternal  shouts  of  Salvation  to  God  and  the 
Lamb.  Now  this  is  the  life  of  faith  :  believing  in  Christ, 
the  fear  of  death  is  conquered,  the  hope  of  life  is  enjoy- 
ed, eternal  life  is  possessed,  and  we  cry  out,  "  0  death, 
where  is  thy  sting  %  0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  1" 
"  We  have  an  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens."  2  Cor.  5:1. 


Oct.  19. — Peter  said  unto  him,  Lord,  ivhy  cannot  I  follow  thee 
now  ?     I  will  lay  down  my  life  for  thy  sake.    John,  13  :  37. 

Peter  seems  now  in  a  high  frame  indeed :  all  is  the 
warmth  of  love  and  sunshine  of  joy.  Ecstasies  carry  us 
out  of  ourselves  ;  we  forget  what  we  are,  where  we  are, 
to  what  we  are  exposed,  and  what  may  soon  befal  us. 
Like  Peter  on  the  mount,  we  are  apt  to  speak  without 
due  consideration  ;  we  know  not  what  we  say ;  the 
fire  of  passion  exceeds  the  bounds  of  solid  judgment. 
"  Why  cannot  I  follow  thee  now  ?  Let  the  way  be 
strewed  with  ever  so  many  difHculties,  let  ever  so  many 
dangers  oppose,  nothing  is  able  to  dismay  or  dishearten 
me  :  I  have  just  now  such  fervent  love  to  thee,  that  I 
could  face  death  in  the  most  frightful  form,  and  lay  down 
my  life  with  the  greatest  pleasure  for  thy  sake," 


428  OCTOBER  20. 

What  thinkest  thou  1  Is  Peter's  language  becoming 
him  or  not  1  Is  it  not  a  noble  and  generous  declaration"? 
Art  thou  ready  to  say,  I  wish  I  could  boldly  say  so  too  1 
Ah,  soul !  whatev^er  thou  mayest  think  of  these  high- 
flown  expressions,  our  Lord  soon  brought  poor  Peter 
low.  Do  not  be  discouraged  at  hearing  professors  speak 
great  swelling  words.  I  was  once  where  a  person  said, 
''  This  world  is  nothing  to  me  ;  it  is  quite  under  my  feet ; 
I  have  so  much  love  that  I  care  no  more  about  the  world 
than  if  I  was  not  in  it."  Lord,  thought  I,  w^hat  a  wretch 
am  I!  Not  fit  to  be  thy  disciple.  But,  alas!  in  a  little 
time  the  world  attracted  that  same  person  (I  fear)  from 
Jesus,  under  its  power. 

Beware  of  self-confidence  ;  live  low,  lie  low,  think 
low,  speak  low  of  thyself,  let  thy  frames  be  what  they 
may.  Now^  hear  our  Lord's  reply  to  Peter  :  ''  Wilt  thou 
lay  down  thy  life  for  my  sake  V  I  do  not  question  thy 
sincerity,  but  I  do  thy  strength  ;  I  pity  thy  vain  confi- 
dence ;  I  am  concerned  for  thy  self-sufficiency  :  poor 
vain  man,  thou  hast  turned  thine  eye  from  my  love  to 
thine  own,  thou  trustest  in  the  glow  of  thine  affections, 
thy  confidence  is  in  thy  fine  frames  and  warm  feelings, 
instead  of  my  love  to  thee  and  my  power  to  uphold  thee  : 
"  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  (instead  of  laying  down 
thy  life  for  me,)  the  cock  shall  not  crow  till  thou  hast 
denied  me  thrice."  What  shall  we  say  to  this  1  "Verily, 
every  man  at  his  best  state  is  altogether  vanity.  Selah." 
Consider  this.  Psalm  39  :  5.  And  ever  remember  the 
unchangeable  love  of  Christ  to  such  poor,  vain,  change- 
able creatures.  Well  may  he  say,  "  I  am  the  Lord,  I 
change  not,  therefore  ye  are  not  consumed."  Mai.  3  :  6. 


Oct.  20.~Worthi/  is  the  Lamb.  Rev.  5  ;  12. 

This  the  song,  this  the  glory  of  angels  and  redeemed 
sinners  in  heaven.  To  know,  to  believe  in,  love  and  fol- 


OCTOBER  20.  429 

low  the  Lamb,  constitutes  our  heaven  upon  earth.  Sin 
is  our  hell :  but  the  Lamb  of  God  taketh  away  our  sin  ; 
then  heaven  is  in  our  souls.  0  that  ever  we  should  to 
ashamed  of  this  Lamb,  who  is  heaven's  wonder  and 
heaven's  glory  !  Is  not  the  thought  of  being  ashamed 
of  the  Lamb  of  God  like  a  dagger  to  one's  heart  1 
Lamb  of  God,  have  mercy  upon  us ! 

Why  is  our  dear  Saviour  called  a  Lamb  1  Because  of 
his  immaculate  purity  ;  he  was  holy,  harmless,  undefil- 
ed,  separate  from  sinners,  without  a  spot  of  sin  or  stain 
of  impurity.  He  was  also  meek  and  inoffensive  like  a 
lamb.  A  lamb  has  no  weapon  of  hostility  :  it  never 
hurts  any  one  :  it  cannot  defend  itself  against  assaults  : 
it  becomes  an  easy  prey:  all  this  Christ  was  in  his  life. 
Like  a  lamb  he  was  also  taken  and  slain  :  he  was  the 
very  paschal  lamb,  to  take  away  our  sin  by  his  blood. 
As  a  slain  lamb  is  precious  for  food  and  useful  for  cloth- 
ing :  so  the  flesh  of  Christ  is  meat  indeed  ;  his  blood  is 
drink  indeed ;  his  righteousness  is  the  clothing  of  our 
souls:  we  live  by  feeding  on  him;  we  are  justified  in 
him  ;  our  sins  are  washed  away  in  his  precious  blood  j 
our  souls  are  perfect  before  God,  in  his  glorious  righ- 
teousness. 

Can  you  say  from  your  inmost  soul.  Worthy  is  the 
Lamb?  Then  you  have  the  grace  of  heaven  in  your 
heart.  Proclaim  it  aloud,  as  they  do  in  glory,  with  your 
lips ;  and  show  it  forth  in  your  life  :  study  to  walk  wor- 
thy of  the  Lamb;  look  at  your  sins;  humble  yourself 
before  the  Lamb  ;  honor  him  by  believing  that  he  has 
atoned  for  them,  and  taken  them  away  from  before  God, 
by  his  blood.  Look  at  yourself  as  a  sinner;  glorify  the 
Lamb  for  redeeming  you  to  God  by  his  blood,  presenting 
you  before  God  in  his  righteousness,  and  making  you 
one  with  God  by  his  grace  ;  look  constantly  on  yourself 
as  a  sinner  saved  by  the  Labib  :  have  nothing  to  do  with 
any  other  name  under  heaven  for   salvation   from   sin, 


430  OCTOBER  21. 

death  and  hell.  Of  all  the  faith  of  your  heart,  the  love 
of  your  soul,  and  glory  of  your  life — worthy  is  the  Lamb. 
And,  O  let  it  be  the  daily  joy  and  rejoicing  of  your  spirit, 
that  you,  a  vile  sinner,  shall  soon  join  the  redeenned 
around  his  throne,  incessantly  and  eternally  to  shout 
his  praise  who  hath  ''  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his 
own  blood." 


Oct.  21. — Most  gladly,  therefore^  will  I  rather  glory  in  my 
injirmities,  that  the  power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me.  2 
Cor.  12:9. 

Though  Paul  is  not  now  in  the  third  heavens,  yet  he 
is  not  content  to  speak  any  language  below  the  super- 
lative degree,  most  gladly.  0,  says  he,  '^  I  have  had  the 
richest  experience  of  my  own  weakness  and  impotence  : 
I  should  be  most  glad  every  day  to  be  thus  emptied  and 
laid  low  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  that  the  all-sufficiency  of 
his  grace  and  the  power  of  his  strength  might  be  made 
perfect  in  me. 

What  does  he  mean  by  infirmiiies  ?  All  that  weak- 
ness, feebleness  and  inability  which  he  found  in  his  na- 
ture to  withstand  sin  and  Satan,  to  bear  up  under  cross- 
es, trials  and  distresses,  to  run  the  way  of  God's  com- 
mandments, to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith.  I  will  rather 
glory  in  these.  What  means  he '?  I  will  glory,  rejoice 
and  be  glad,  that  self  is  laid  low,  my  proud  nature  de- 
based, my  self-exalting  views  brought  down,  and  that  I 
am  entirely  emptied  of  all  self-sufficiency.  I  will  rather 
glory  in  this  than  in  any  thing  else.  Why  so  %  "  That 
the  power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me."  When  full  of 
the  pride  of  nature  and  self-sufficiency,  the  soul  sees  not 
the  need  of  Christ's  grace.  The  full  soul  loaths  the 
honey-comb.  When  strong  in  nature's  power,  the 
strength  of  Christ  is  not  sought :  but  when  Satan  buf- 
fets, infirmities  prevail,  nature  fails  and  sinks,  hope  and 


OCTOBER  22.  431 

help  from  self  forsake  us ;  then  the  Saviour  is  sought ; 
the  soul  goes  humbly  to  the  Lord. 

The  sinner's  extremity  is  the  Lord's  opportunity. 
When  Peter  begins  to  sink,  self-confidence  forsakes 
him,  and  he  cries,  Lord,  save  or  I  perish  :  then  Christ 
exerts  his  power  and  saves  him.  When  Satan  thinks  to 
buffet  Paul  out  of  his  faith  and  hope  in  the  Lord,  he 
only  buffets  him  out  of  his  self-exalting  and  self-confi- 
dence :  he  drives  him  to  the  throne  of  grace  :  he  be- 
sought the  Lord  again  and  again  :  the  Lord  delivers  not, 
but  only  tells  him,  '^  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  :" 
Paul  felt  the  power  of  Christ  resting  upon  him.  Learn 
hence,  O  soul,  not  to  be  distressed  at  thy  infirmities,  a 
sense  of  thy  weakness  and  emptiness :  glory  in  them, 
that  Christ  may  be  glorified  by  thee,  in  causing  his  pow- 
er to  rest  upon  thee  :  for  mind  that  precious  word  of 
his,  let  thy  weak  and  infirm  spirit  hang  upon  it  from  day 
to  day :  "  He  giveth  power  to  the  faint ;  and  to  them 
who  have  no  might  he  increaseth  strength."  Isaiah, 
40 ;  29. 


Oct.  22. — The  great    trumpet    shall  be  Mourn,  and  they  shall 
come  which  ivere  ready  to  perish.    Isaiah,  27  :  13. 

One  trumpet  has  been  blown  at  the  giving  of  the  law 
on  Mount  Sinai ;  the  voice  of  it  sounded  long  and  waxed 
louder  and  louder  :  it  made  even  Moses  to  fear  and 
quake  exceedingly,  and  all  the  people  tremble.  Soon, 
very  soon — who  knows  but  it  may  be  the  next  moment, 
in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye — the  last  trumpet  shall  sound 
and  the  dead  shall  be  raised.  1  Cor.  15  :  52.  Tremen- 
dous voice  !  Most  solemn  sound  !  The  prophet  asks, 
"  Shall  a  trumpet  be  blown  in  the  city,  and  the  people 
not  be  afraid  V  Amos,  3:6.  If  the  alarm  of  war  and 
the  approach  of  an  enemy  be  sounded  in  the  dead  of 
night,  what  fear  and  terror  seize  usi  Must  we  hear  the 
sound  of  the  last  trumpet  calling  us  to  judgment  1 


432  OCTOBER  23. 

Blessed,  eternally  blessed  be  our  God,  for  the  blow- 
ing of  this  great  trumpet  of  Gospel  grace  ;  it  is  the 
sound  of  great  love  :  it  proclaims  a  great  salvation — to 
whom  1  Even  to  great  sinners  ;  such  as  see  their  sins  so 
great  that  they  are  ready  to  perish.  The  sound  of  this 
great  trumpet  expels  the  legal  fears  of  the  first,  and  the 
awful  terrors  which  arise  in  our  minds  by  the  sound 
of  the  last  trumpet ;  for  it  proclaims  that  "  the  great 
God"  is  "our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  Titus,  2  :  13. 
Our  judge  is  our  advocate,  our  Saviour,  and  friend. 

Do  we  see  ourselves  ready  to  perish  without  hope 
and  help  in  and  from  ourselves  1  Are  the  curses  of  a 
broken  law  upon  us,  and  is  the  glittering  sword  of  jus- 
tice brandished  over  usl  The  great  trumpet  sounds. 
Come,  come  to  Christ,  ye  sinners,  who  are  ready  to  pe- 
rish, and  must  perish  if  ye  do  not  come.  Saith  Jesus, 
"  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come  to  me."  John, 
6  :  37.  Therefore  this  great  trumpet  of  Gospel  salva- 
tion shall  not  be  blown  in  vain.  Those  who  never  saw 
themselves  ready  to  perish  can  perceive  neither  music 
nor  charms  in  its  sound :  it  is  foolishness  to  them :  but 
to  those  who  feel  themselves  to  be  perishing  sinners,  it 
is  a  joyful  sound  ;  it  proclaims  victory  over  sin,  the  law, 
Satan,  death  and  hell,  through  Jesus,  who  loved  us  and 
gave  himself  for  us.  Nor  less  doth  it  proclaim  holiness 
than  happiness:  for  it  calls  us  to  war  with  our  sins,  to 
peace  with  God,  and  to  walk  in  sweet  fellowship  with 
God  the  Father,  and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  1  John,  1  :  3. 
This  great  Gospel  trumpet,  like  those  of  old,  is  all  of  one 
piece.  Numbers,  10  :  2.  It  does  not  give  an  uncertain 
sound ;  but  it  proclaims  a  free,  full  and  finished  salva- 
tion by  Christ,  to  the  glory  of  God,  yea  and  amen. 


Oct.  23. — Joseph  sought  ichere  to  iccep.  Gen.  43 :  30. 
To  weep !    What !  when  he  saw  his  beloved  brother 
Benjamin,  and  heard  that  his  ifiectionate,  aged  father 


PCTOBER  23.  433 

was  alive  and  well  1  Yes,  the  sight  of  the  one  and  the 
news  of  the  other  created  such  an  ecstasy  of  joy  in  his 
heart  as  was  too  great  to  bear.  He  sought  where  to 
vent  it  by  tears.  0,  had  one  followed  good  Joseph  to 
his  chamber,  and  heard  what  passed  there  between  his 
God  and  his  soul!  Methinks  I  see  the  dear  man  fall 
prostrate,  crying  out  in  a  flood  of  grateful,  joyful  tears, 
"  0  what  a  God  do  I  serve  !  What  amazing  scenes  of 
his  providence  have  opened  to  my  view !  How  has  the 
Lord  appeared  graciously  in  my  behalf!  How  strangely 
has  he  exalted  me  in  life !  And  now,  to  crown  all  and 
complete  my  happiness,  I  see  my  beloved  brother,  and 
hear  of  the  welfare  of  my  honored  father."  Doubtless 
he  wept,  he  prayed,  he  praised,  he  rejoiced,  he  loved,  he 
adored  his  God,  his  kind  preserver,  his  bountiful  bene- 
factor, his  dear  Saviour. 

Methinks  we  cannot  meditate  on  Joseph's  conduct 
without  calling  to  mind  some  sweet  weeping  seasons  of 
spiritual  joy  with  which  our  souls  have  been  refreshed: 
when  in  some  highly  favored  moments  the  blessed 
Spirit  has  brought  some  joyful  tidings,  some  tokens  of 
love  from  our  once  crucified,  but  ever-living  Redeemer. 
O  then  what  joy  has  sprung  up  in  our  souls !  too  big  for 
utterance.  When  he  has  assured  us  of  his  love  to  us  ,* 
that  we  shall  soon  see  him  as  he  is,  be  with  him  where 
he  is,  and  eternally  enjoy  him  and  his  Father  and  our 
Father  in  glory — O,  the  rapture  of  this  faith  !  Then  we 
are  ready  to  fly  the  world  and  all  its  concerns,  and  even 
our  brethren  in  Christ  too  :  we  seek  to  be  alone  to  pour 
out  our  souls,  to  give  vent  to  our  joy  in  a  flood  of  loving, 
grateful  tears.  Then,  like  the  disciples  on  the  mount, ' 
we  cry  out,  It  is  good  to  be  here  :  this  is  sweet :  me- 
thinks my  soul  is  drovv^ned  in  tears  of  love ! 

Now  are  we  not  ready  to  wish,  O  that  it  were  always 

thus  with  me  !  But  neither  Joseph,  you,  nor  I,  could  live 

in  such  ecstasy  and  rapture :  the  body  could  not  sup- 
s' Treasury.  ig 


434  OCTOBER  24; 

port  them  :  my  weak  body  could  not.  Neither  are  they 
always  good  for  the  soul :  if  so,  we  should  be  always 
favored  with  them.  Of  this  we  are  fully  assured  :  for 
''no  good  thing  will  the  Lord  withhold  from  them  that 
walk  uprightly."  Psalm  84:11.  But  these  God  with- 
holds. You  never  read  of  one  saint  in  the  Bible  always 
in  an  ecstasy  of  joy.  He  who  freely  gave  us  his  Son, 
"how  shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all 
things  V  Rom.  8  :  32. 


Oct.  24. — Lord^  increase  our  faith.    Luke,  17  :  5. 

Men  of  the  world  tauntingly  say,  "  O,  you  don't  mind 
good  works,  faith  is  to  do  every  thing  for  you."  Truly, 
faith  is  all,  for  it  includes  the  object  of  faith,  the  LoRi?. 
Faith  has  no  existence  without  its  object. 

Consider,  Is  it  not  a  good  work  to  forgive  an  offend- 
ing brother  1  This  is  what  our  Lord  teaches  in  the  pre- 
ceding verses.  The  apostles  were  made  truly  sensible 
that  they  could  not  do  this  without  faith  j  nay,  not  with- 
out the  increase  of  faith  ;  therefore  they  prayed  for  if. 
Real  believers  are  ''  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good 
works,  which  God  hath  before  ordained  that  we  should 
walk  in  them."  Eph.  2  :  10.  They  are  "a  peculiar  peo- 
ple, zealous  of  good  works."  Tit.  2:14.  Thus  they  love 
to  glorify  their  heavenly  Father. 

They  know,  too,  that  all  good  works  proceed  from 
faith,  and  from  the  increase  of  faith  :  for  Christ  dwells 
in  our  hearts  by  faith,  Eph.  3  :  17.  This  is  the  source 
and  spring  of  all  comfort,  and  every  good  work.  With- 
out this,  what  is  life  to  a  Christian  1  Verily,  but  an  un- 
comfortable breathing,  not  worthy  the  name  of  life. 
Christ  dwelling  in  the  heart  constitutes  heaven  upon 
earth.  Just  as  uncomfortable  as  this  world  would  be  if  the 
sun  were  blotted  out  of  heaven,  would  the  christian  be 
without  the  in-dwelling  of  Christ.  How  hast  thou  found 


OCTOBER  25.  435 

thy  soul,  0  christian,  this  day  1  Hast  thou  found  "  Christ 
in  thee  the  hope  of  glory  V  If  not,  it  is  for  want  of 
faith.  If  thou  hast,  dost  thou  not  desire  to  enjoy  more 
of.  it  1  It  is  to  be  had  by  the  increase  of  faith :  pray 
for  it. 

Faith  sickens  the  soul  to  the  love  of  sin  and  the  love 
of  this  world.  The  increase  of  faith  kills  the  love  of 
both  ;  '^  for  this  is  the  victory,  even  our  faith  "  1  John, 
5  :  4-.  Faith  brings  the  prospect  of  heavenly  glory  into 
view.  The  increase  of  faith  brings  fuller  assurance  to 
our  hearts  of  our  enjoyment  of  it,  quickens  our  diligence 
in  the  way  to  it,  and  excites  ardent  desires  for  the  full 
fruition  of  it,  that  we  may  be  '^  absent  from  the  body 
and  present  with  the  Lord." 

See  who  is  "  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith." 
Do  you  complain  that  your  faith  is  weak,  and  your  cor- 
ruptions strong  1  Remember,  that  Redeemer  who  died 
for  your  sins  can  strengthen  your  faith.  Look  unto  Jesus: 
cry  unto  him  to  increase  your  faith;  so  shall  your  heart 
be  happy,  your  life  holy,  and  your  soul  "  strong  in  the 
grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  2  Tim.  2:  1. 


Oct.  25. — Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet^  that  it  is  I  myself. 
Luke,  24  :  39. 

Amintas  had  done  valiant  acts,  and  lost  part  of  his 
arm  in  the  field  of  battle  for  his  country's  good.  His 
brother  jEschylus  was  about  to  be  condemned  to  die. 
Amintas  came  into  court,  spoke  not  a  word,  but  only 
lifted  up  the  stump  of  his  arm  without  a  hand  ;  as  though 
he  had  said.  See  what  I  have  lost  in  my  country's  cause. 
His  silent  oratory  prevailed,  and  saved  his  brother's  life. 
How  much  more  affecting  a  sight  does  our  Lord  here 
present  to  his  disciples !  He  called  upon  them,  he  calls 
upon  us :  Behold !  they  by  the  eye  of  sense  ;  we  by  the 
eye  of  faith.    Consider  the  reasons  for  this. 


436  OCTOBER  25. 

To  compose  and  comfort  their  minds :  they  were  ter- 
rified and  affrighted  j  they  took  him  for  a  spirit.  Christ 
is  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities :  he  sym- 
pathises with  us  in  all  our  troubles.  One  cause  of  them 
is  misapprehension  o[  the  nature  of  Christ :  we  too  oft 
forget  that  he  was  man^  like  unto  us  in  all  things,  ex- 
cept sin: ''Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet"  with  the 
print  of  the  nails  :  "  it  is  I  myself  :^^  the  very  same  man, 
with  the  same  flesh  and  blood,  who  lately  hung  upon  the 
cross.     Handle  me  j  feel  me. 

It  was  to  confirm  their  faith  in  his  dying  for  their  sins 
and  rising  again  for  their  justification:  he  died  as  a 
weak  man ;  he  rose  as  the  almighty  God  :  as  God-man 
he  atoned  for  sin,  conquered  death  and  hell  for  us.  The 
faith  of  this  is  the  source  of  all  hope  and  the  spring  of 
all  peace  to  our  souls. 

He  says,  Behold,  that  he  may  quicken  our  love.  O 
soul,  can  you  behold  by  faith,  and  think  of  the  love  and 
sufferings  of  Jesus  for  your  salvation,  and  not  love  him  1 
His  pierced  body,  hands  and  feet,  are  the  marks  of  his 
great  love  and  the  agony  of  his  sufferings  for  you.  O 
love,, rejoice  and  adore.  Does  he  not  deserve  the  whole 
love  of  aur  heart  and  the  affections  of  our  soull  Be* 
hold — that  all  your  hope  may  be  in  him.  Beware  of  the 
fatal  error  of  some,  who  pretend  to  believe  in  Christ  for 
the  pardon  of  sin,  but  for  final  justification  hope  in  their 
own  works.  No,  my  Lord,  the  sin-atoning,  soul-justify- 
ing work  is  thine,  and  thine  alone.  I  will  hope  in  no 
other.  My  soul,  I  charge  thee,  fix,  constantly  fix  all  thy 
attention,  for  all  thy  hope,  upon  thy  once-pierced  Lord. 
My  conscience,  I  charge  thee,  when  base  intruders 
would  rival  his  glory,  banish  them  :  cry  with  abhorrence, 
'Get  ye  hence  ;  "  what  have  I  to  do  any  more  with  idols  V* 
Hosea,  14  : 8. 


OCTOBER  26.  437 

Oct.  26. — Peter  said,  Man,  I  know  not  what  thou  sayest, 
Luke,  22:60. 

No,  Peter !  Why,  he  speaks  plain  enough :  he  is 
confident  of  thy  person,  knows  thy  voice,  and  the  very 
brogue  of  thy  tongue :  he  boldly  affirms,  "  Of  a  truth 
thou  wast  with  Jesus."  It  is  downright  falsehood  to 
reply,  "  I  know  not  what  thou  sayest."  Peter  is  ashamed 
of  his  Lord.  Is  he  not  ashamed  of  himself  1  Not  yet. 
No ;  he  "  began  to  curse  and  to  swear,  saying,  I  know 
not  the  man."  Might  we  not  expect  to  hear  next  that 
he  was  damned  eternally  %  He  deserved  it.  Was  he 
here  now  he  would  confess  it  from  the  very  depths  of 
his  heart ;  but  he  is  above,  confessing  his  desert  of 
damnation,  and  ascribing  "  salvation  to  God  and  the 
Lamb."  For,  '^  the  Lord  turned  and  looked  upon 
Peter."  O,  who  can  say  what  there  was  in  that  turn 
and  that  look  %  Lord,  give  us  to  feel  its  grace  and 
power,  that  we  may  improve  it. 

Consider :  Sin  is  sin,  in  God's  saints  as  well  as 
others:  yea,  their  sins  exceed  all  others:  yes,  and  God 
sees  sin  in  them  as  well  as  in  others  ;  and  he  will  visit 
them,  too,  for  their  sin.  To  his  people  of  old  he  says, 
^'  You  only  have  I  known  (with  the  love  of  a  tender  fa- 
ther) of  all  the  families  of  the  earth,  therefore  I  will 
punish  you  for  your  iniquities."  Amos,  3  :  2.  Who  can 
say  what  a  hell  of  agonies  Peter  felt  when  he  "  wept 
bitterly  1"  He  experienced  that  truth  which  he  after- 
ward preached  to  others^  "  Judgment  must  begin  at  the 
house  of  God."  1  Peter,  4  :  17.  A  sense  of  condemna- 
tion for  sin  is  awakened  in  the  heart  and  conscience  ; 
the  clear  sight  of  it;  feeling,  mourning,  groaning  under 
a  sense  of  it ;  looking  up  to  God  with  a  broken  heart,  a 
contrite  spirit,  a  sorrowful  soul,  sighing  out,  ''Ao-ainst 
thee,  O  Lord,  have  I  sinned,  and  done  evil  in  thy  sight. 
Nothing  but  thy  blood,  O  Jesus,  can  cleanse  me  !    0  my 


/ 


438  OCTOBER  27. 

God,   let  thy  grace  pardon   me,    and   thy  Spirit  com- 
fort me. 

What  affects  any  sinner  thus  1  The  Saviour's  turning 
and  looking  upon  the  soul.  Sin  naturally  hardens  the 
heart  and  sears  the  conscience.  Peter,  after  his  awful 
fall,  would  have  run  away  from  Christ ;  given  himself 
up  to  the  service  of  sin  and  Satan,  till  he  fell  into  hell, 
if  the  Lord  had  left  him  to  himself.  So  would  you  and 
I.  But  Jesus  turns  from  his  anger  against  our  sins ; 
turns  to  us  in  love.  He  looks :  instead  of  frowning  us 
into  eternal  despair,  he  looks  with  love  ',  he  speaks  love 
intc*  our  hearts  j  he  melts  our  hearts  into  sorrow  and 
remorse  for  our  sins,  and  with  hope  of  mercy  and  par- 
don ;  ''  for  where  sin  abounded,  grace  much  more 
abounds."    Romans,  5  :  20. 


Oct.  27.7—/  ^-7201^  that  mij  Redeemer  liveth.    Job,  19 :  25, 

Matters  are  sometimes  brought  to  a  close  point  be 
tween  God  and  the  soul :  it  is  stripped  of  all  its  com- 
forts :  the  soul  is  in  heaviness.  1  Peter,  1:6.  It  is 
broken  in  the  place  of  dragons  and  covered  with  the 
shadow  of  death,  as  the  Psalmist  most  affectionately 
paints  the  scenes  of  horror  and  affliction.  Psalm  44? :  19. 
So  that  as  he  says,  \'  I  had  fainted,  unless  I  had  believed." 
Psalm  27  :  13.  Nothing  within,  nothing  without,  for  the 
soul  to  stay  itself  upon,  but  the  word  of  the  Lord  and 
the  Lord  revealed  in  the  word.  Then  is  that  sweet 
word  fulfilled,  "  they  shall  hang  upon  him  all  the  glory 
of  his  father's  house."    Isaiah,  22  :  24. 

This  was  Job's  tried,  tempted,  afflicted,  yet  blessed 
state  :  though  all  his  comforts  are  dead,  still  his  ''  Re- 
deemer liveth:"  in  the  midst  of  all  his  losses  he  had 
•not  lost  this  blessed  knowledge  :  I  know :  it  is  a  matter 
of  the  greatest  certainty  to  my  soul,  that  there  is  a  Re- 
deemer for  lost  sinners  j  I  know  he  is  my  Redeemer :  I 


OCTOBER  27.  439 

have  seen  my  want  of  him,  and  my  certain  destruction 
without  his  redemption.  He  liveih  ^  while  he  lives  my 
hopes  cannot  die,  my  soul  cannot  despair  j  stript  of  all 
things  beside,  nothing  can  separate  me  from  the  love  of 
Christ.  I  know  that  Christ  liveth  at  the  right  hand  of 
God,  because  he  lives  in  my  heart  by  faith.  Such  is  the 
language  of  this  Old  Testament  saint.  Says  Luther, 
**  I  had  utterly  despaired  had  I  not  known  that  Christ 
was  head  of  the  church."  "  Head  over  all  things  to  his 
body  the  church."  Eph.  1 :  22. 

But  how  is  the  soul  enabled  to  say,  with  Job,  Christ 
is  my  Redeemer,  or,  with  Paul,  he  "  loved  me  and  gave 
himself  for  me  V  By  the  word  of  grace  we  know  there 
is  a  Redeemer ;  by  the  testimony  of  the  Spirit  of  truth, 
through  faith,  the  sinner  is  enabled  to  say  he  is  mine, 
my  beloved,  my  friend.  There  are  two  infallible  evi- 
dences of  this  :  Christ  has  both  our  hearts  and  our  hopes : 
our  heart  is  set  upon  him  ;•  our  hopes  centre  in  him.  He 
is  precious  to  our  hearts :  we  have  fellowship  with  him 
by  faith  j  we  know  that  he  liveth,  because  we  enjoy  the 
comfort  of  his  life  and  love  in  our  souls  ;  we  know  him 
both  as  dying  for  us  and  also  as  living  in  us ;  he  dwells 
in  our  hearts  by  faith  j  he  sends  his  tokens  of  love  j  he 
draws  our  affections  to  himself,  from  the  world  of  sin 
and  vanity.  And  our  Jwpes  are  in  him  :  his  Spirit  gives 
us  to  see  such  perfection  in  his  glorious  work  and  finish- 
ed salvation  as  sickens  to  every  other  hope  j  yea,  kills 
self-righteousness  and  self-confidence :  we  become  '^  dead 
to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Christ."  Rom.  7:  4.  We  may 
as  soon  place  our  confidence  in  the  righteousness  of  the 
thief  on  the  cross,  as  in  any  righteousness  of  our  own  : 
"  We  know  that  he  abideth  in  us,  by  the  Spirit  which 
he  hath  given  us."   1  John,  3  :  24. 


440  OCTOBER  28. 

Oct.  28. — By  the  obedience  of  One  shall  many  he  made 
righteous.    Romans,  5  :  19. 

Joyful  truth  to  miserable  sinners.  O  that  this  pas- 
sage were  ever  upon  our  minds,  "My  thoughts  are  not 
your  thoughts,  neither  are  your  ways  my  ways,  saith  the 
Lord."  Isa.  55  :  8.  Our  thoughts  are  to  make  ourselves 
righteous  by  our  own  obedience  ;  and  our  ways  are,  to  be 
justified  before  God  by  our  own  righteousness;  but  the 
Lord  calls  us  to  forsake  these  unrighteous  thoughts  as 
well  as  wicked  ways,  and  to  submit  by  faith  to  his 
thoughts  and  his  ways,  to  be  made  righteous  by  the 
obedience  of  One. 

Consider,  this  negative  is  implied,  no  other  obedience 
can  make  any  sinner  righteous.  0  sinner,  for  what  art 
thou  seeking  1  What  art  thou  striving  to  be  and  to  do'? 
What  is  the  end  of  thy  praying,  reading,  hearing,  and  of 
thy  striving  against  sin  and  to  excel  in  obedience  1  Is  it 
to  make  thyself  righteous  1  Then  it  all  proceeds  from  un- 
belief of  the  truth  that  ''  by  the  obedience  of  One  shall 
many  be  made  righteous,"  and  by  no  other  obedience 
whatever.  "  Then,"  say  some,  "  there  is  an  end  to  all 
good  works."  No  :  from  the  faith  of  this  all  good  works 
begin.  There  is  indeed  an  end  to  all  the  evil  works  of 
unbelief,  which  are  done  to  supplant  the  one  spotless 
obedience  of  Christ, in  making  sinners  righteous,  and  to 
establish  the  filthy  rags  of  man's  righteousness.  Taught 
by  the  Spirit  of  truth,  through  faith,  my  soul  abhors  this. 
"  Whatsoever  is  not  of  faith,  is  sin."  Rom.  14  :  23. 
"  Works  which  do  not  spring  of  faith  in  Jesus  Christ, 
have  the  nature  o{  sm.''\Church  Article  13.)  Hence,  0  my 
soul,  no  obedience  of  thine,  before  faith  in  Christ,  can 
make  thee  righteous.  Nor  doth  obedience  after  faith 
make  thee  righteous  ;  for  then  thou  art  made  righteous 
by  the  one  obedience  of  Christ.  Settle  this  matter  well 
in  thy  conscience  :  the  glory  of  thy  God  and  the  comfort 
of  thy  soul  demand  it.    It  is  positively  asserted,  "  By 


OCTOBER  29.  441 

the  obedience  of  o;ie,"  or  the  one  obedience  of  Christ, 
"  shall  many  be  made  righteous."  The  faith  of  God's 
elect  takes  the  comfort  of  this,  and  will  love  Christ,  live 
upon  his  righteousness,  and  give  him  the  glory  of  it. 

But  who  are  made  righteous  by  Christ's  one  obedi- 
ence 1  Many:  The  many  sons  whom  Christ  shall  bring 
to  glory.  Heb.  2 ;  10.  Even  all  who  see  themselves 
miserable  sinners,  and  believe  in  Christ  for  righteous- 
ness unto  justification  of  life.  What  a  glorious  way  is 
this  of  making  sinners  righteous  !  It  secures  all  the  glory 
to  Christ  ;  it  keeps  the  sinner  humble  before  him,  de- 
pendent on  him,  and  prevents  all  self-righteous  boast- 
ing ;  while  it  gives  the  poor  sinner  *^  boldness  and  access 
with  confidence "  to  God,  and  inspires  warm  love  to 
Christ,  and  the  cheerful  obedience  of  faith. 


Oct.  29. — She  said,  Truth,  Lord;  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the  cruinhs 
which  fall  from  their  master^  s  table.   Matt.  15:  27. 

Here  is  blessed  reasoning:  it  produced  admiration  in 
the  Lord:  "O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith!"  It  also  ob- 
tained a  rich  grant  from  him :  "  Be  it  unto  thee  even 
as  thou  wilt."  Great  faith!  How  does  it  appear  1  We 
do  not  find  that  she  came  to  Christ  in  full  assurance 
of  faith,  saying,  I  know  thou  art  my  Saviour,  I  am  as- 
sured thou  hast  loved  me  and  wilt  save  me.  No.  Still 
there  was  great  faith  without  this.  Look  at  her  faith : 
imitate  it:  she  honored  the  Lord  by  it;  he  honors  her 
for  it. 

She  was  in  trouble :  she  flies  instantly  to  Christ ;  she 
tells  him  of  her  sorrows:  '*  Have  mercy  upon  me,  0 
Lord,  for  my  daughter  is  grievously  vexed  with  a  devil." 
To  cry  to  Jesus  for  mercy,  in  trials  and  under  a  sense 
of  sin,  is  the  prayer  of  faith,  and  honors  the  Lord  of 
glory.  ^ 

Here  were  great  discouragements :  Christ  answers 
19* 


442  OCTOBER  30. 

her  not  a  word :  the  disciples  desire  him  to  cure  her, 
that  they  might  get  rid  of  her :  but  Jesus  answers,  (not 
her,  but  his  disciples,)  "  I  am  not  sent  but  to  the  lost 
sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel."  Was  not  this  repulse 
enough  to  strike  her  dumb  and  send  her  away  in  des- 
pair 1  Instead  of  this,  her  faith  grew  stronger  and  her 
importunity  greater.  She  falls  at  his  feet,  with,  Lord^ 
help  me.  O  that  was  putting  it  home  to  the  loving  heart 
of  our  dear  Lord :  she  brought  her  case  to  a  point : 
Jesus,  you  can  help  me;  none  but  you  can:  if  you  do 
not,  I  am  miserable.  Have  you  no  compassion  for  a 
poor  miserable  sinner  1  Lord,  help  me.  Thus  casting 
herself  upon  the  Lord^s  love  and  power,  she  at  last  gets 
an  answer  from  him :  but,  0  such  a  one  as  was  like  a 
dao-crer  to  her  heart,  "  It  is  not  meet  to  take  the  chil- 
dren's  bread  and  cast  it  to  the  dogs." 

Does  she  now  turn  away  in  despair  1  No.  She  had 
a  child's  heart,  and  a  child's  faith  too  :  she  again  puts 
her  case  home  to  the  Saviour.  Mark  it :  I  am  a  dog,  a 
vile,  unworthy  creature  ;  let  me  be  fed  as  such  upon 
the  falling  crumb :  I  know  I  do  not  deserve  even  that 
from  thee.  See  what  perseverance,  faith  and  prayer 
will  do :  it  overcomes  all  difficulties,  surmounts  all  ob- 
stacles, obtains  the  sought-for  mercy.  Some  in  our 
day  would  have  thought  this  woman  undervalued  her- 
self: but  Jesus  humbles  those  sinners  to  the  very  low- 
est whom  he  raises  to  the  very  highest.  O  take  up 
this  resolution,  ''  I  will  wait  upon  the  Lord,  who  hideth 
his  face  :  I  will  look  for  him."  Isa.  8.  17. 


Oct.  30. — Wherefore,  lift  up  the  hands  which  hang  down,  and 
the  feeble  knees.     Heb.  12 :  12. 

Are  you  saying,  my  troubles  are  many,  my  burden  is 
great,  and  hope  deferred  makes  the  heart  sick  ?  True, 
a  faint  heart  makes  weak  hands  and  feeble  knees ;  then 


OCTOBER  30.  443 

afflictions  become  intolerable,  duty  tiresome,  prayer  irk- 
some, the  ordinances  unpi*ofitable,  the  lamp  of  spiritual 
life  seems  expiring,  the  poor  sinner  grows  dejected  and 
dispirited,  is  ready  to  give  up  hope,  and  to  give  way 
to  despondency.  The  Comforter  inspires  a  work  for 
such,  ''Lift  up  the  hands  which  hang  down."  Do  you 
say,  the  advice  is  good,  but  the  practice  hard  %  Paul 
supposes  it  j  for  he  introduces  it  with  Wherefore.  0,  I 
dearly  love  these  Scripture  adverbs !  Much  courage 
and  comfort  are  gained  by  attending  to  them.  Where- 
fore^  or  for  which  reason,  lift  up  your  weak  hands,  or 
the  weak  hands  of  others.  Consider  why,  or  wherefore, 
we  should  do  this. 

We  have  Jesus  to  look  unto  for  patience.  He  is  the 
author  and  finisher  of  our  faith ;  be  bore  our  sins  \  he 
hath  for  ever  taken  away  the  curse  due  \o  them  ;  he  has 
made  our  peace  with  God ;  God  is  in  him  reconciled  to 
us.  He  who  endured  the  cross  for  our  sins,  and  despised 
the  shame  of  being  treated  as  a  malefactor,  is  now  be- 
fore the  throne  of  God  praying  for  us.  O,  this  look  is 
reviving ! 

Consider  Jesus,  the  captain  of  our  salvation,  lest  ye 
be  weary  and  faint.  He  was  ''  made  perfect  through 
sufferings,  that  he  might  bring  many  sons  unto  glory." 
He  is  bringing  you,  ''  through  much  tribulation,"  into  his 
kingdom.  Consider  the  love  and  sorrows  of  Jesus  for 
you.  Look  on  yourself  as  a  sufiering  member  of  a  once 
suffering  head  :  so  shall  your  weak  mind  be  strengthen- 
ed and  your  weary  mind  refreshed. 

Forget  not,  but  consider^  the  exhortation.  My  Son. 
Precious  appellation  !  God  is  your  Father  ;  he  loves 
you  with  the  same  everlasting  and  unchangeable  love 
as  he  did  his  only  begotten  Son  :  he  treats  you  in  love  ; 
he  chastises  you  as  his  child.  Why  ]  Because  he  is  in 
wrath  against  you  1  No;  but  to  make  you  more  like 
himself  in  holiness.    0  then  "  lift  up  your  hands  "  to 


444  OCTOBER  31. 

your  God  and  Redeemer  in  confident  faith,  in  humble 
praj^er.  Though  all  within  is  clouded  dejection,  yet  all 
above  is  sunshine,  joy,  peace,  and  consolation.  Con- 
sider your  hope.  It  is  as  "an  anchor  of  the  soul."  On 
what  is  it  fixed  1  It  "  entereth  into  that  within  the  vail, 
whither  the  fore-runner  is  for  us  entered,  even  Jesus." 
Hebrews,  6  :  19,  20. 


Oct.  31. — He  saiv  his  glory,  and  spake  of  him.     John,  12  :  41. 

Ministers  who  do  not  preach  Christ,  and  sinners  who 
do  not  speak  of  Christ,  are  objects  of  pity,  not  of  our 
wrath  ;  their  eyes  are  blind  to  his  matchless  glory  j  their 
hearts  do  not  understand  his  unparalleled  love.  But 
■when  once  Christ's  glory  is  displayed  and  his  love  be- 
lieved in  the  heart,  the  tongue  will  speak  of  him.  So 
Isaiah  found  it.  So  did  the  poor  woman  of  Samaria, 
"  she  ran  into  the  city,"  she  took  hold  of  one  and  an- 
other, she  eagerly  cried,  "  '  Come,  see  a  man  who  told 
me  all  things  that  ever  I  did ;  is  not  this  the  Christ  V 
Surely  it  is,  '  what  think  ye  V  "  John,  4:  29.  She  had 
sweet  experience.  Here  was  no  self-exalting  ;  no  cry, 
"  See  me,  admire  me  ;  what  fine  experience  I  have  had." 
One  is  sometimes  grieved  to  read  or  hear  people  tell  of 
their  experiences,  when  they  tend  only  to  make  the  poor 
sinner  appear  somewhat  glorious  in  his  own  eyes,  and 
to  be  admired  by  his  fellow-sinners :  this  is  not  right. 
If  the  sinner's  vileness  is  not  fully  explored,  and  the 
Saviour's  glory  only  exalted,  such  souls  know  not  as 
they  ought  to  know ;  sucli experiences  are  not  profitable, 
they  are  not  worth  attending  to. 

When  sinners  see  Christ's  glory,  they  will  speak  of 
him  to  God  the  Father;  they  will  come  in  his  name; 
they  will  plead  his  blood  only  for  the  pardon  of  sin,  his 
righteousness  alone  for  the  justification  of  their  souls, 
jfci::;  intercession  for  their  obtaining  every  blessing  in 


NOVEMBER  1.  44b 

earth  and  heaven.  Thus  we  come  boldly  to  a  throne  of 
grace  ;  thus  we  expect  freely  to  obtain  mercy  to  relieve 
us  and  grace  to  comfort  us :  thus  we  are  sure,  perfectly 
sure,  that  we  are  welcome  to  God  ;  for  he  hath  told  us 
so.  "  It  pleased  the  Father  "  that  in  Christ  all  fullness  (of 
grace  and  glory)  should  dwell,  Col.  1 :  19 ;  that  "  out  of 
his  fulness  we  should  receive."  John,  1  :  16.  Having 
seen  Christ's  glory,  we  come  to  him  for  this  grace. 

The  sight  of  Christ's  glory  blinds  us  to  our  own 
fancied  glory.  The  more  we  see  of  Jesus,  the  less  we 
like  ourselves :  we  grow  out  of  love  with  ourselves. 
What  glory  is  there  in  a  cage  of  unclean  birds  1  Worse, 
inexpressibly  worse  are  our  hearts.  Yet,  astonishing 
love  !  Jesus  displays  the  glory  of  his  grace  to  us. 
Nothing  but  unbelief  prevents  our  beholding  it ;  ''  Said 
I  not  unto  thee,  if  thou  wouldest  believe,  thou  shouldest 
see  my  glory  1"  John,  11  :  40. 


JVovember. 


Nov.    1. — Beholdy  this  day  lam  going  the  loay  of  all  the  earth. 
Joshua,  23  :  14. 

Though  fully  assured  of  his  near  dissolution,  yet  with 
what  calm  composure  does  Joshua  utter  these  words ! 
Though  you  are  a  sinner  and  must  fall  under  the  sen- 
tence of  death  for  sin,  yet  you  need  not  be  under  bon- 
dage all  your  life-time  through  fear  of  death.  Why 
should  you  %  Has  not  the  sinner's  Friend  gained  a 
complete  and  "everlasting  victory  over  death,  the  sin- 
ner's enemy  % 

Consider  what  Christ  hath  done  for  us  sinners  j  for 


446  NOVEMBER  1. 

sinners  we  are,  and  shall  be,  though  redeemed  by  the 
blood  and  sanctified  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  when  the  mes- 
senger of  death  calls  us  to  glory.  Honor  thy  Lord's  work 
by  the  faith  of  thy  heart :  so  fear  and  terror  shall  flee  from 
thy  soul.  By  his  death  he  has  appeased  divine  justice. 
As  Jonah,  his  type,  being  cast  into  the  sea,  quelled  the 
storm;  so  Christ,  being  cast  into  the  furnace  of  Divine 
wrath,  quenched  the  flames.  God  is  just,  while  he  jus- 
tifies the  ungodly  who  believe  in  Jesus.  Rom.  3:  26. 
He  has  silenced  the  accusations  of  the  law.  He  has  "  re- 
deemed us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a 
curse  for  us."  Gal.  3  :  13.  Upon  this  follows  the  removal 
of  guilt :  "  He  put  away  our  sins  by  the  sacrifice  of 
himself."  Heb.  9 :  26.  "  We  have  redemption  through 
his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins.  Eph.  1 :  7. 
He  hath  wrought  out  and  brought  m  an  everlasting 
righteousness  for  us.  We  are  "  made  the  righteous- 
ness of  God  in  him."  2  Cor.  5  :  21.  He  hath  conquered 
Satan  :  by  his  death  destroying  "  him  who  had  the  pow- 
er of  death,  that  is,  the  devil."  Heb.  2  :  14.  He  hath  open- 
ed heaven  to  us.  We  lost  a  paradise  by  sin.  We  gain  hea- 
ven by  the  cross  of  Christ.  It  is  our  "  purchased  posses 
sion."  Eph.  1  :  14.  He  hath  obtained  victory  over  sin  and 
death,  so  that  we  may  joyfully  cry  out,  "  Thanks  be  to 
God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  1  Cor.  15  :  57.  Now,  if  Christ  has  appeased  jus- 
tice, silenced  the  law,  taken  away  the  guilt  of  sin,  is  made 
righteousness  to  us,  has  conquered  Satan,  opened  hea- 
ven, overcome  death,  and  obtained  victory  for  us,  what 
have  we  to  fear  1  Why  should  we  not  triumph  in  the 
view  of  death  1 

We  cannot  thus  triumph  without  the  work  of  the 
Spirit  in  us.  But  if  he  has  made  the  work  of  Christ 
glorious  in  our  eyes  ;  if  he  has  given  us  to  see  our  need 
of  it ;  to  believe  in  and  rely  upon  Christ's  life  and  death 
as  our  title  to  heaven  and  glory ;  by  the  faith  of  this  he 


NOVEMBER  2.  447 

has  sanctified  our  souls,  as  vessels  of  honor,  to  the 
glory  of  Christ.  It  is  our  privilege  to  rejoice  in  him  ; 
to  look  upon  his  victories  as  our  own  ;  to  triumph  over 
every  enemy,  and  over  death  as  the  last  enemy ;  for 
though  he  is  an  enemy  to  the  flesh,  he  is  the  best  friend 
to  the  soul. 


Nov.  2. — We  icalk  hy  faith,  not  hy  sight.     2  Cor.  5  :  7. 

Thus  we  quit  sense  for  faith :  so  we  overcome  "  the 
lust  of  the  eyes."  To  gratify  this  is  contrary  to  the  walk 
of  faith.  Then  is  it  any  marvel  that  we  lose  the  peace, 
comfort,  and  joy  of  faith'?  But  this  is  not  whatjs  here 
meant  by  sight,  as  opposed  to  faith.  Here  is  an  infalli- 
ble truth  :  Though  a  christian,  by  the  eye  of  sense,  can 
neither  see  God,  nor  Christ,  nor  the  things  of  the 
heavenly  world,  yet  he  walks  in  the  firm  belief  of  what 
the  word  of  God  tells  him  of  them  ;  and  hence  they 
have  the  supreme  affection  of  his  soul  from  day  to  day. 
Faith  supplies  the  sight  of  them.  They  are  as  real  to 
the  mind  as  though  seen  by  the  bodily  eye.  Thus,  a 
lively  hope  of  enjoying  them  is  kept  up  in  the  heart : 
''  We  are  always  confident,"  we  are  as  sure  of  the  exist- 
ence of  spiritual,  heavenly,  and  invisible  objects,  as  we 
are  of  our  own  being.  O  ye  sons  of  carnal  sight  and 
sense !  ye  deride  us — we  pity  you.  Ye  look  only  at 
shadows,  we  at  eternal  substance :  ''  The  things  which 
are  not  seen  are  eternal."  2  Cor.  4  :  18. 

See  the  preciousness  of  faith.  Though  we  do  not  now 
see,  nor  ever  have  seen  Christ,  yet  we  love  him  ;  believ- 
ing in  him,  we  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory.  1  Pet.  1  :  8.  We  see  in  ourselves  nothing  but  sin 
and  misery  ;  but  by  faith  we  know  we  are  righteous  in 
Christ,  accepted  in  him,  justified,  presented  without  spot 
of  sin.  We  see  our  bodies  under  the  sentence  of  death, 
daily  dying,  hasting  to  the  grave  :  natural  sight  can  look 


4i8  NOVEMBER  3. 

no  farther  :  the  body  turns  to  dust ;  but  by  faith  we 
look  through  death  and  the  grave,  and  '^  we  know  that 
if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved, 
we  have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not  made  with 
hands,  eternal,  in  the  heavens."   2  Cor.  5  :  1. 

Though  we  cannot  explain  the  manner  of  the  Spirit's 
work  upon  our  souls,  any  more  than  we  can  tell  whence 
the  wind  cometh,  or  whither  it  goeth  j  yet  by  sweet  ex- 
perience we  can  say,  "  He  that  hath  wrought  us  for  this 
self-same  thing,  is  God."  2  Cor.  5  :  5.  For  we  find  our- 
selves formed  to  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God, 
''  who  loved  us,  and  gave  himself  for  us."  Gal.  2 :  20. 
Hence  we  are  dead  to  the  sinful  pleasures  of  sense  and 
the  joys  of  carnal  mirth  ;  for,  we  see  Jesus  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  where  are  "fulness  of  joy,  and  pleasures 
for  evermore."    Psalm  16:  11. 


Nov.  3. — Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.     Matt.  6:11. 

Happiness,  that  inestimable  jewel,  springs  only  from 
contentment.  Christian  contentment  is  founded  in  hu- 
mility. The  humble  christian  lives  upon  the  fulness  of 
God:  thence  he  seeks  all  his  supplies.  Our  Lord  not 
only  teaches  his  disciples  the  word  of  prayer,  which 
any  one  may  use,  but  he  also  gives  the  spirit  of  prayer 
peculiar  to  themselves  only.  This  consists  in  knowing 
our  wants  ;  in  seeking  a  supply  of  them  from  the  Lord, 
and  in  daily  looking  to  him  for  all  the  blessings  of 
providence  and  grace  needful  for  us  as  men  and 
christians. 

Do  we  know  our  wants  1  A  proper  sense  of  them 
will  make  and  keep  us  low  and  humble  in  our  own  eyes, 
for  we  shall  go  out  of  ourselves  and  live  out  of  our- 
selves. Do  we  want  daily  bread  to  support  our  bodies  % 
Have  we  no  spring  of  life  in  ourselves  but  what  must 
be  fed  and   nourished  from  the   food  we  receive  from 


NOVEMBER  4.  419 

day  to  day  1  Just  so  it  is  with  our  souls.  Christ  saith, 
"  I  am  the  bread  of  life."  John,  6  :  48.  We  have  no  in- 
herent stock  of  spiritual  food  in  ourselves ;  the  man 
who  thinks  otherwise  is  as  foolish  as  he  would  be  who 
should  say  he  has  within  himself  a  supply  of  natural 
food,  he  needs  not  pray  for  it. 

Do  we  seek  a  supply  from  our  Lord  1  He  says, 
'^  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger."  Matt.  5  :  6.  Their 
blessedness  consists  in  coming  empty  to  him  to  be 
filled  :  Give  us.  Lord,  I  am  just  the  same  hopeless, 
helpless,  miserable  sinner  in  myself,  as  I  was  when  I 
first  heard  of  thee  and  came  unto  thee.  Give  me  this 
day  my  daily  bread  :  thy  flesh  to  eat  and  thy  blood  to 
drink.  Thy  flesh  is  meat  indeed  :  thy  blood  is  drink  in- 
deed. John,  6  :  55.  Lord,  thou  hast  said,  "  He  that  eat^ 
eth  me,  even  he  shall  live  by  me."  John,  6 :  57.  O  that 
in  feeding  on  thee  by  faith,  I  may  know  that  I  have 
eternal  life,  and  that  thou  wilt  raise  me  up  at  the  last  day. 

This  feeding  is  vastly  preferable  to  disputing.  True, 
we  are  exhorted  to  contend  earnestly  for  the  faith  ;  but 
then  it  should  be  with  a  desire  that  our  own  souls  and 
the  souls  of  others  may  be  edified,  fed,  and  nourished 
by  the  faith  of  Jesus ;  else  it  is  but  vain  jangling.  Who 
would  not  contend  for  his  natural  food  1  How  jealous, 
how  watchful  should  we  be  against  every  enemy  who 
would  prevent  our  feeding  upon  Christ,  the  bread  of 
life !  The  more  we  feed  upon  this  bread,  the  less  appe- 
tite we  have  for  the  pleasures  of  this  world  and  the 
vanities  of  sense.  Our  spiritual  food  transforms  ns  into 
the  image  of  our  Lord,  and  causes  us  to  aspire  after  him 
and  long  to  be  with  him.  Precious  promise!  "Jesus 
shall  feed  his  flock  like  a  shepherd."  Isa.  40  :  IL 


Nov.  4. — The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  cleanscth  us  from 
all  sin.    1  John,  1  :  7. 
Most  precious  truth,  for  guilty  sinners  !  Lord,  help  us 


450  NOVEMBER  4. 

to  consider  what  is  implied  in  these  words.  See  the  ex- 
ceeding sinfulness  of  sin.  It  has  brought  upon  us,  loss 
of  God's  image  ;  obnoxiousness  to  his  wrath  ;  rejec- 
tion from  his  presence.  We  are  by  sin  totally  unclean. 
The  pollution  of  sin  has  brought  the  curse  of  God  upon 
us,  armed  his  justice,  shut  his  kingdom  against  us,  and 
opened  the  gates  of  hell  to  us.  The  bitter  cries  and  tor- 
ments of  the  damned  in  hell  will  eternally  proclaim  the 
malignity  of  sin.  The  everlasting  songs  of  the  saints  in 
glory  will  proclaim  the  praises  of  the* Lamb,  who  wash- 
ed them  from  their  sins  in  his  own  blooe^ 

This  proves  the  curse  and  defilement  of  sin.  The 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  that  alone,  cleanseth  from  all 
its  deepest  stains.  O  the  infinite  love  of  the  Son  of  God, 
to  shed  his  blood  for  guilty  sinners  !  O  the  infinite  virtue 
of  his  precious  blood  to  cleanse  us  from  all  sin  !  Remem- 
ber, God's  justice  would  have  been  eternally  glorified, 
and  thy  soul  eternally  suffering  his  wrath  due  to  ihy 
sins,  if  the  blood  of  his  Son  had  not  cleansed  thee  from 
all  sin.  Reflect  on  this,  and  say,  canst  thou  think  light 
of  sin,  or  count  the  blood  of  Jesus  of  little  value  1  0,  see 
sin's  crimson  dye  in  the  purple  gore  of  the  Son  of  God, 
which  was  shed  to  atone  for  it  and  cleanse  from  it. 

"  Cleanseth  us."  Not  only  hath  cleansed  and  shall 
cleanse,  but  it  continually  does  so  ;  whereby  we  stand  be- 
fore God  as  without  spot  in  his  sight,  and  freed  from 
all  condemnation. 

"  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ."  This  means  the  last 
act  of  the  tragedy  in  the  life  of  our  anointed  Saviour  j 
his  blood  being  the  ransom  of  our  souls,  the  price  of 
our  redemption,  and  the  expiation  of  our  sins. 

"  His  Son  :"  the  Son  of  God :  very  God  of  very  God. 
Here  let  faith  fix  and  conscience  be  satisfied  :  not  only 
the  blood  of  the  Son  of  the  Virgin,  but  it  is  the  blood  of 
the  Son  of  God.  Neither  the  greatness  nor  the  number 
of  sins  can  expose  any  sinner  to  wrath  who  believes  in 


NOVEMBER  5.  .451 

the  Son  of  God  :  no  guilt  so  great  but  it  can  cleanse  ; 
no  stain  so  deep  but  it  can  remove.  Unbelief  shuts  this 
blood  out  of  the  conscience.  By  faith  we  receive  its 
cleansing  virtue  and  peaceful  effects  on  our  souls. 


Nov.  5. — Jesus  said,  What  manner  of  communications  are 
these  that  ye  have  one  to  another,  as  ye  walk  and  are  sad  ? 
Luke,  24 :  17. 

Time  is  the  best  remedy  for  most  diseases,  whether 
of  body  or  mind.  A  present  hour  may  cause  sadness, 
the  next  may  bring  joy.  This  is  a  living  comfort  in 
saddest  seasons  :  Christ  knows  both  our  sorrows  and  the 
cause  of  them  :  he  is  always  near  to  us,  though  we  see 
him  not :  his  sympathising  spirit  manifests  itself  in  the 
question  here  recorded. 

Here  were  two  disciples  communing  together  and 
reasoning  with  one  another :  this  is  right.  It  is  pleasing 
to  our  Lord  to  see  his  dear  members  converse  with  and 
strive  to  edify  each  other  in  the  faith  of  him  :  and  en- 
deavoring to  bear  each  other's  burdens.  Jesus  joined 
company  with  them.  Disciple,  how  often  have  you  found 
it  so  1    Christ  delights  in  the  fellowship  of  his  saints. 

Christ  inquires  of  their  conversation  and  the  cause  of 
their  sadness.  Disciples  of  Christ  have  their  sad  seasons  : 
it  is  good  that  they  should  converse  freely  with  one 
another  about  them.  But  whence  do  they  spring  1  Chief- 
ly from  unbelief.  These  poor  souls  were  sad.  Why  1 
They  did  not  believe  their  Lord  was  risen.  But,  ah! 
there  was  another  reason  for  sadness  ;  they  had  basely 
forsaken  and  deserted  him  :  this  also  arose  from  the  same 
cause,  unbelief.  Well,  notwithstanding  all  this,  O  the 
free  grace  of  Christ !  he  follows  them,  though  they  for- 
sook him  ;  he  owns  them,  though  they  denied  him  ;  he 
cares  for  them,  though  they  showed  no  care  for  him  ;  he 
comes  to  comfort  them,  though  they  had  grieved  him. 


452  NOVEMBER  6. 

Says  the  Prince  of  peace,  "  Why  are  ye  sad  1"  Then 
they  opened  their  minds  to  hinn  ;  they  told  him  of  the 
ray  of  hope  and  the  gleam  of  confidence  which  they  pos- 
sessed :  *'  JVe  /rusted  it  had  been  he  who  should  have  re- 
deemed Israel."  But  delays  begat  doubt.  Luke,  24:21. 
What  was  the  consequence  1  Christ  chides  them  for 
their  unbelief.  Expounds  the  Scriptures  to  them.  Causes 
their  hearts  to  burn  within  them.  O  christians,  though 
you  are  perplexed  in  your  minds,  walk  and  are  sad,  yet 
forsake  not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together  ;  ex- 
pect and  pray  for  your  Lord's  presence  :  this,  like  the 
rising  sun,  will  scatter  the  clouds  of  doubt,  fear  and  sad- 
ness, which  hang  over  your  minds.  Remember,  with  the 
confidence  of  faith  and  the  joy  of  hope,  your  Lord's  pre- 
cious promise,  "  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  to- 
gether in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them.'* 
Matthew,  18 :  20. 


Nov.  6. — For  when  I  am  iceak,  then  am  I  strong.  2  Cor.  12: 10. 

We  have  heard  of  Paul's  "  revelations  "  and  exaltings 
— here  we  have  his  humbling.  He  is  brought  down  to 
his  right  place,  low  in  himself;  and  to  his  right  feel- 
ings, weak  in  himself.  Hence  we  see  the  true  nature 
and  blessed  end  of  christian  experience :  it  keeps  the 
soul  from  being  puffed  up  with  pride,  lest  it  fall  into  the 
condemnation  of  the  devil :  it  sinks  it  low  in  humility, 
under  a  sense  of  weakness,  and  it  leads  it  out  of  itself  to 
look  for  all  its  strenorth  in  Christ.  Here  the  strenorth  of 
faith  is  opposed  to  the  weakness  of  sense.  ''  When  I 
am  weak,  then  am  I  strong  :"  this,  though  a  difficult  les- 
son, yet  is  a  precious  one. 

Do  we  see  ourselves  weak  1  Christ  is  held  forth  to  us 
as  our  strength,  and  he  calls  upon  us  to  be  strong  in  him  : 
"  Trust  in  the  Lord  for  ever,  for  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  is 
everlasting  strength."    Isa.   26 : 4.    But  surely  folly  is 


NOVEMBER  7.  453 

bound  up  in  the  heart  of  the  weak  ;  for,  instead  of  obey- 
ing and  trusting  in  him,  how  many  are  saying,  I  am  the 
weakest  of  the  weak;  I  have  no  might,  no  power  1  You 
are  the  very  person  here  addressed.  You  can  get  no 
strength  but  from  the  Lord.  By  trusting  in  the  Lord, 
you  will  say,  though  weak,  I  am  strong  ;  I  have  everlast- 
ing strength. 

To  encourage  to  this,  the  Lord  commands,  "  Let  the 
weak  say  I  am  strong."  Joel,  3 :  10.  Let  them  believe 
it  in  their  hearts  and  confess  it  with  their  lips.  What ! 
if  they  find  no  strength  in  themselves  1  Yes,  it  is  a  com- 
mand to  the  weak  j  yea,  to  the  weakest  of  the  weak. 
Then  this  exactly  suits  you  and  me.  ^'  Hast  thou  not 
known,  hast  thou  not  heard,  that  the  everlasting  God, 
the  Lord,  giveth  power  to  the  faint,  and  to  them  that 
have  no  might  he  increaseth  strength."  Isa.  40 :  29. 
Here  we  are  rebuked  and  reproved — "  faint,  and  have 
no  might :"  this  is  our  state.  Have  you  never  heard 
nor  known  how  the  Lord  dealeth  with  such  1  O  look  up 
to  him.  Though  not  sufficient  of  yourself  to  do  any 
thing  as  of  yourself,  know  your  sufficiency  is  of  the 
Lord :  thougii  we  can  do  nothing  of  ourselves,  yet  we 
can  do  all  things  through  Christ,  who  strengtheneth  us. 
Phil.  4:13.  How  do  we  get  strength  from  Christ  1  By 
believing  his4)romises,  going  to  him  in  the  faith  of  them, 
pleading  them  before  him,  and  praying  him  to  fulfil  them 
in  us  :  thus  we  put  our  cause  upon  the  strength  of 
Christ's  truth :  he  is  faithful ;  he  cannot  deny  us  ;  he 
will  say,  ''  According  to  your  faith,  be  it  unto  you." 
Matthew,  9  :  29.  '  I 

Nov.  7. — Then  were  the  disciples  glad  ichen  they  saw  the  Lord. 
John,  20  :  20. 

"  Truly  the  light  is  sweet,  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is 
for  the  eyes  to  behold  the  sun."  Eccles.  11:7.  But, 
O  how  much  more  sweet  and  pleasant  to  see  the  light 


454*  NOVEMBER  7. 

and  behold  the  glory  of  the.  Sun  of  righteousness  !  This 
inspires  the  heart  with  gladness.  These  disciples  had 
lost  their  dear  Lord,  and  mourned  in  darkness  for  his 
absence  :  tongue  cannot  tell  their  inexpressible  joy  at 
seeing  him  again  :  their  sight  was  bjr  the  eye  of  sense, 
ours  is  by  the  eye  of  faith  :  yet  our  sight  is  not  less  real 
than  theirs,  and  it  brings  the  same  gladness  to  our 
hearts  j  therefore  it  is  highly  prized  by  us,  for  we  can 
neither  live  comfortably,  walk  holily,  nor  die  happily 
without  seeing  the  Lord  Christ. 

A  sight  of  Christ  by  faith  brings  peace  to  the  con- 
science. There  is  ever  a  war  within,  between  the  flesh 
and  the  Spirit,  grace  and  nature,  the  old  man  and  the 
new.  The  motions  of  sin  in  our  members  are  ever  war- 
ring against  the  law  of  holiness  in  our  minds.  Wicked 
nature  is  like  the  troubled  sea,  which  cannot  rest ;  it  is 
continually  casting  up  mire  and  dirt :  l)ut  the  winds  and 
seas  of  corrupt  nature  obey  Christ  j  he  says,  ''  Peace, 
be  still,"  and  there  is  a  great  calm  in  the  soul ;  for 
Christ  is  our  peace,  he  hath  made  our  peace  with  God 
by  his  blood,  he  makes  and  keeps  peace  in  our  souls  by 
his  presence  j  our  stubborn  lusts  will  fight  and  reign  if 
Christ  be  absent  from  our  hearts.  Therefore  we  cannot 
but  be  glad  when  we  see  the  Lord. 

The  sight  of  Christ  quells  our  doubts  a^d  dispels  our 
fears.  Our  poor  hearts,  seeing  sin  and  all  manner  of 
evil  dwelling  in  us,  are  ready  to  fear  and  doubt  whether 
we  are  the  children  of  God.  But  O,  when  we  see  Christ 
by  faith,  our  consciences  are  satisfied  ;  our  minds  are 
divinely  assured  that  Christ  hath  "  redeemed  us  to  God 
by  his  blood  ;"  for  wc  cry  out.  This  is  our  Beloved  and 
our  Friend  in  whom  we  have  redemption,  even  the  for- 
giveness of  our  sins.  We  believe  and  are  sure  that  he 
is  the  Christ  of  God,  the  Saviour  of  sinners. 

The  sight  of  Christ  gives  victory  over  death,  opens 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  our  view,  and  gives  us  to  see 


NOVEMBER  8:  455 

a  smiling  God  and  Father  ready  to  receive  and  embrace 
us.  O  most  joyful  sight !  If  so,  O  christian,  beware, 
beware  of  gratifying  your  sight  with  any  vain,  sinful, 
and  carnal  pleasures.  These  will  draw  away  your  sight 
and  take  off  the  attention  of  your  mind  from  lookino- 
unto  Jesus,  and  prevent  your  gladness  of  heart  and  joy 
of  soul  in  and  from  him  ;  ^'  Turn  away  mine  eyes  from 
beholding  vanity."  Psalm  119  :  37. 


Nov.  8. — /  know  that  in  me  {that  is  in  my  fiesh)  dwelhth  no 
good  thing.  Rom.  7  :  IS. 

This  is  the  knowledge  which  puffeth  not  up ;  but  like 
love,  it  edifies  the  soul  in  deep  humility,  while  it  excites 
overflowing  gratitude  in  the  heart  to  Christ  for  his  right- 
eousness to  justify  such  vile  sinners :  it  is  the  know- 
ledge of  regenerate  souls.  /  know  ;  not  only  doctrin- 
ally,  in  notion  and  theory,  but  it  is  a  confirmed  truth,  by 
heart-felt  experience  ;  I  know  it  from  day  to  day  ;  I  have 
proved  it  again  and  again,  "  that  in  my  flesh  dwelleth  no 
good  thing."  Paul's  judgment  of  himself  was  confirmed 
by  experience. 

But,  was  not  Paul  a  most  eminent  apostle  and  holy 
saint  1  Yes:  still  he  confesses  publicly  before  God,  an- 
gels and  men,  that  he  was  the  subject  of  a  nature  which 
is  "  earthly,  sensual  and  devilish."  If  no  good  thing 
dwelt  in  his  flesh,  is  it  not  implied  that  every  evil  dwelt 
there  1  Doubtless  he  would  be  so  understood.  Were 
"  evil  thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  blasphemies  "  in  the 
flesh  of  this  holy  saint  1  Yes,  his  knowledge  of  the  to- 
tal corruption  of  his  fallen  nature  agrees  with  his  Lord's 
doctrine.  Matt.  15  :  19.  He  had  been  a  murderer  and 
blasphemer  by  practice  j  then  he  was  in  a  state  of  igno- 
rance and  unbelief;  but  nov/  he  was  regenerated,  his 
state  changed,  and  his  practice  altered,  therefore,  sure- 
ly his  flesh  could  not  be  so  bad.    Yes,  it  was  just  the 


456  NOVExMBER  9. 

same  :  the  flesh,  the  old  man,  the  corrupt  fallen  nature 
is  and  ever  will  be  the  same  in  the  regenerate  :  ''  It  ever 
lusts  against  the  Spirit."    Gal.  5  :  17. 

Why  is  this  woful  experience  of  Paul's  left  upon  re- 
cord 1  For  our  profit.  That  we  might  judge  and  try 
ourselves  by  it.  If  we  are  taught  by  the  same  Spirit, 
we  shall  have  the  same  humbling  views  of  our  flesh. 
Our  flesh  is  not  worse  than  Paul's,  nor  was  his  better 
than  ours.  If  we  are  left  in  nature's  pride,  we  shall  join 
the  ignorant  cry  of  those  who  say,  "  all  who  are  con- 
vinced of  sin  greatly  undervalue  themselves." 

We  also  here  learn  not  to  be  cast  dow^n  with  despon 
dency,  nor  to  give  way  to  despairing  thoughts,  though 
we  find  every  evil  and  nothing  but  evil  in  our  flesh ;  for 
this  cures  us  of  all  confidence  in  the  flesh,  to  which  we 
are  prone,  but  it  opposes  the  faith  of  the  Gospel. 

Look  then  and  go  entirely  out  of  yourself:  look 
wholly  to  and  trust  entirely  in  the  Lord  Jesus  and  his 
righteousness,  that  though  you  have  no  confidence  in 
the  flesh,  you  may  ever  rejoice  in  him  ;  this  is  the  cha- 
racter and  conduct  of  a  true  believer.  Phil.  3  :  3.  Adore 
the  Holy  Spirit,  who,  when  you  had  no  goodness  to  de- 
serve it,  no  fitness  to  qualify  for  it,  but  all  in  you  to  op- 
pose it,  gave  you  a  new  birth  into  Christ,  in  whom  you 
have  every  spiritual  good.  Therefore,  "  walk  in  the 
Spirit,  and  ye  shall  not  fulfil  the  lust  of  the  flesh." 
Galatians,  5  :  16. 


Nov.  9. — We  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  despair.  2  Cor.  4:  8. 

God's  dear  children  have  not  all  the  same  clear  judg- 
ment of  truth ;  they  are  not  all  of  one  mind  and  the 
same  sentiment  in  all  points  :  yet  they  all  have  one  Lord, 
one  faith,  and  one  hope ;  and  there  is  a  uniformity  in 
their  experience,  in  regard  to  the  exceeding  sinfulness 
of  sin,  the  depravity  of  their  nature,  their  perplexities 
from  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil  j  their  love  of  the 


NOVEMBER  9.  457 

Scriptures,  and  the  exceeding  preciousness  of  Christ : 
this  proves  that  they  are  taught  by  one  and  the  same 
Spirit.  We  have  perplexities  of  a  spiritual  nature,  be- 
sides those  in  common  with  others,  to  which  natural 
men  are  utter  strangers :  these  are  no  weak  evidences 
of  our  spiritual  birth.  To  be  perplexed  Avith  a  body  of 
sin  and  death,  with  a  sense  of  unbelief,  with  deadness, 
formality,  wanderings  in  spiritual  duties  ;  w^ith  Satan's 
temptations,  accusations,  corrupt  reasonings,  and  carnal 
pleadings  :  being  sensible  to  all  these  makes  it  manifest 
that  the  soul  is  born  of  God,  and  alive  to  God  ;  for  when 
dead  in  sin  w^e  felt  nothing  of  them.  How  absurdly  and 
foolishly  then  do  many  act  1  Because  thus  perplexed, 
they  are  ready  to  give  up  hope,  cast  away  confidence, 
and  deny  that  they  are  God's  children  ;  bat  their  sense 
of  these  things,  and  groaning  under  them,  are  evident 
tokens  of  salvation  :  '^  Perplexed,  but  not  in  despair :" 
O  take  heed  of  yielding  in  the  least  to  despair :  of  de- 
sponding :  of  letting  go  your  confidence  in  Christ :  of 
giving  up,  for  one  moment,  hope  in  Christ. 

Consider  the  evil  of  this.  You  hereby  slight  the 
everlasting  love  of  God  the  Father  to  sinners.  You  dis- 
honor the  work  and  salvation  of  the  Son  of  God.  You 
grieve  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  Comforter  of  sinners.  You 
disregard  the  Gospel  of  grace,  glad  tidings  to  sinners : 
and  set  at  nought  all  God's  precious  promises  in  Christ. 
You  give  the  enemy  all  possible  advantage  over  you. 
He  stands  and  cries,  ''  There,  there,  so  would  I  have  it." 
You  give  sin  all  its  strength  against  you.  You  perplex, 
distress,  and  darken  your  own  soul,  whereby  you  are 
hindered  from  running  the  w^ay  of  God's  commands  w^ith 
love  and  delight.  A  thousand  evils  are  connected  with 
indulging  despondence  5  away  then  with  all  false  hu- 
mility. Hold  fast  this  faithful  saying,  for  it  is  worthy 
of  all  acceptation  at  all  times,  under  all  circumstances, 
"  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to   save  sinners." 

20 


S-  Treasury. 


458  NOVEMBER  10. 

1  Tim.  1  :  15.  Till  the  adversary  can  blot  that  truth  out 
of  God's  word,  or  make  you  worse  than  a  sinner;  yon, 
as  a  quickened  sinner,  have  the  same  reason  as  Paul, 
or  any  other  apostle,  to  say,  "/  am  always  confident.''^ 

2  Cor.  5;  6. 


Nov.    10. — Christ  ivas  in  all   points  tempted  like    as  we    are, 
yet  ivithout  si?i.     Heb.  4  :  15. 

O,  says  a  soul  in  heaviness  through  manifold  tempta- 
tions, surely  no  one  was  ever  tempted  and  tried  like  me  ! 
Paul  answers  to  the  contrary  :  *'  There  hath  no  tempta- 
tion taken  you  but  such  as  is  common  to  man."  1  Cor. 
10  :  13.  Is  this  any  relief  and  support  to  you  1  If  not, 
consider  the  text. 

Temptation  was  common  to  Christ,  as  man  :  he  was 
tempted  ''  in  all  points  like  as  we  are."  View^  him  beset 
by  Satan  :  see  the  hellish  arts  he  practised  upon  him  : 
he  tempted  him  to  the  lust  of  the  eye,  to  self-murder, 
to  idolatry,  to  distrust  God,  to  tempt  God,  yea,  in  all 
points,  like  as  we  are.  You  cannot  feel  a  trial  or  temp- 
tation but  what  Christ  felt  before  you.  Though  he  had 
no  sin  in  his  nature,  yet  he  doubtless  felt  all  the  assaults 
with  which  the  power  and  malice  of  hell  could  attack 
him.  Still  he  remained  without  sin :  therefore  tempta- 
tions are  not  sins.  Though,  as  God,  Christ  knew  all  things 
intuitively,  yet  he  could  onljr,  as  man,  have  an  experi- 
mental sense  of  the  nature  and  power  of  temptations. 

This  is  very  comfortable  to  his  tried,  tempted  mem- 
bers, for  he  is  ^^  touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmi- 
ties." ''Being  tempted  himself,  he  is  able  to  succor 
them  who  are  tempted."  Heb.  2  :  18.  O  think  of  this 
imdcr  all  your  temptations  and  trials.  What !  did  Christ 
feel  all  that  I  feel  before  nme  and  for  me  1  Had  he  the 
most  quick  and  pungent  sense  of  temptation  1  And  was 
all  th  s  that  he  might  be  able  to  succor  me  1    Think,  O 


NOVEMBER  11.  459 

my  soul,  thy  crowned  Head  in  glory  feels  for  all  his 
tempted  members  on  earth.  Consider  Jesus,  once  a  man 
as  thou  art,  and  now,  as  seeing  thy  poor  panting  heart 
and  laboring  breast  bowed  down  with  one  temptation 
and  another.  Methinks  we  hear  him  say,  '^  Thus  it  was 
with  me  when  in  the  flesh  :  my  heart  yearns,  my  bowels 
move  with  tender  compassion  to  that  my  brother  in 
flesh :  I  am  touched  with  a  tender  sympathy  for  him." 
Is  it  so  1  Then  go  and  lay  all  in  thine  heart  open  to  thy 
Lord :  be  neither  afraid  nor  ashamed : 

"  He  knows  what  sore  temptations  mean, 
*'  For  he  has  felt  the  same  :" 

confess  the  vile  lusts  and  corruptions  of  thy  nature 
Remember,  ever  remember  Christ's  blood  is  the  foun- 
tain opened  for  sin  and  uncleanness.  Zech.  13  :  1. 


Nov.  11. — Behold,  I  have  erred  exceedingly.     1  Sam.  26:21. 

In  this  chapter  we  have  an  account  of  an  heroic  act 
of  David's  faith  in  the  Lord,  his  invincible  courage,  and 
his  tenderness  towards  Saul,  his  enraged  enemy,  by 
which  he  melted  his  heart  and  overcame  his  cruel  wrath. 
Let  us  view  his  conduct,  and  pray  for  grace  to  get  good 
from  it. 

View  his  faith.  Here  was  Saul,  with  three  thousand 
chosen  men,  in  pursuit  of  David,  thirsting  for  his  blood  ; 
they  were  at  a  very  small  distance  from  him.  Behold, 
David  proposes  to  go  to  Saul's  camp  in  the  dead  of 
the  night,  and  asks,  "  Who  will  go  down  with  me  V  Does 
not  this  seem  to  the  eye  of  natural  reason  to  be  a  most 
rash  and  dangerous  attempt  1  Though  it  were  at  mid- 
night, though  they  might  be  fallen  into  a  dead  sleep, 
yet,  out  of  such  a  number  of  men,  one  or  more  might 
awake  and  seize  on  David.  Surely,  it  was  going  into 
the  very  jaws  of  death;  but  David's  faith  surmounted 
his  fears;  his  trust  in  his  God  prevailed.    O  precious 


460  NOVEMBER  II. 

gift  of  precious  faith !  Lord,  increase  it  in  our  souls, 
Abishai  consents  to  go  with  him  ;  they  pass  the  king's 
life-guards  j  enter  Saul's  camp  :  for  behold,  they  were 
all  like  dead  men.  David  and  Abishai  converse  together : 
not  a  man  hears  or  stirs.  Why  was  this  1  How  can  we 
account  for  it  1  Why  1  "  Because  a  deep  sleep  from  the 
Lord  was  fallen  upon  them."  O,  my  soul,  leara_ courage 
from  hence.  When  Giant  Despair  attempted  to  pursue 
the  pilgrims  he  was  seized  with  his  fits.  All  thy  ene- 
mies are  under  thy  Lord's  power ;  he  can  cast  all  into 
a  deep  sleep,  or  into  the  long  sleep  of  death  j  and  he 
will,  sooner  than  thou  shalt  perish  by  them.  Up  faith — 
down  sense — away  with  all  carnal  reasonings  : 

'•  March  on,  nor  fear  to  win  the  day. 

"  Thoug'h  death  and  hell  obstruct  the  v/ay." 

Now  see  how  David's  faith  wrought  by  his  works. 
When  they  got  safe  into  the  camp  Saul  lay  sleeping, 
and  his  spear  stuck  into  the  ground  at  his  head.  Now 
for  a  strong  temptation.  Abishai  said  to  David,  ''  God 
hath  delivered  thine  enemy  into  thy  hand  this  day ;  let 
me  smite  him,  I  pray  thee,  with  this  spear  to  the  earth 
at  once,  I  will  not  smite  him  a  second  time."  See  this 
specious  reasoning.  He  begins  with  God,  who  had  de- 
livered Saul  into  David's  hands.  Here  was  a  fair  op- 
portunity to  revenge  himself  of  his  cruel  enemy  and 
put  an  end  to  his  troubles.  And  he  promises  to  do  it 
eifectually,  at  a  stroke.  Now,  who  but  a  man  after  God's 
own  heart  could  have  withstood  thisl  But  David  had  a 
better  way  to  kill  his  rage  and  save  his  life.  Here  sec 
an  heroic  act  of  faith  working  by  love  and  producing  an 
unshaken  obedience  to  God  :  he  durst  not  stretch  forth 
his  hand  against  the  Lord's  anointed.  See  how  conspicu- 
ous the  grace  of  God  shines  in  the  Old  Testament  saint. 
O  blush,  ye  who  regard  David's  faith  as  nothing  com 
pared  to  the  faith  of  a  christian ! 


NOVEMBER  12.  461 

See  the  effects  of  David's  conduct :  he  carried  away 
Saul's  spear  and  cruse  from  under  his  head,  and  upbraids 
the  captain  of  his  host  for  got  watching  over  his  royal 
master.  Saul  hears  of  the  affair  and  cries  out,  ''  Is  this  thy 
voice,  my  son  David  V  Struck  with  David's  fine  reason- 
ing J  melted  down  at  his  noble,  generous  conduct ;  and 
doubtless  recollecting  that  his  life  had  been  once  before 
in  David's  hands,  when  he  cut  off  the  skirts  of  his  robe 
in.  a  cave,  1  Sam.  24 :  4,  Saul  replies,  ''  Behold  I  have 
played  the  fool,  and  erred  exceedingly."  Thus  faith 
works  by  love  and  patience  :  this  will  overcome,  when 
wrath  and  resentment  only  add  fuel  to  an  enemy's  rage. 


Nov.   12. — My  soul  fainteth  for  thy  salvation :  hut  I  hope  in 
thy  word.    Psalm  119:81. 

David's  words  furnish  us  with  these  observations, 
1st.  That  it  is  a  sure  evidence  that  a  sinner  is  savingly 
convinced  of  sin  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  when  the  salva- 
tion of  Jesus  is  the  desire  of  his  heart.  2d.  That  the 
soul,  though  destitute  of  the  joy  of  faith,  in  the  assu- 
rance of  interest  in  Christ's  salvation,  yet  may  have  the 
grace  of  hope  in  lively  exercise.  3d.  That  when  the  soul 
faints,  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  the  sure  support  of  hope. 
Study  these  points  :  settle  them  in  your  hearts  :  the  Lord 
give  you  comfort  from  them. 

When  a  person  faints,  the  blood  returns  to  the  heart ;  it 
ceases  to  flow  through  the  veins  :  hence  the  spirits  sink, 
nature  fails,  the  eyes  see  not,  the  limbs  cease  to  move, 
life  and  strength  depart.  Have  you  not  experienced 
it  thu3  with  your  soul  %  Have  you  not  been  ready  to 
give  up  hope  and  let  all  confidence  go — ^just  at  the  last 
gasp  %  See  the  actings  of  a  gracious  soul.  Learn  expe- 
rience by  David's  conduct :  he  thinks  of  his  best  Friend, 
his  dear  Saviour;  he  looks  up  to  him  ;  he  tells  him  what 
he  faints  for,  thy  salvation  :  for  fresh  knowledge  of  his  in- 


462  NOVEMBER  13. 

terest  in  it ;  for  the  joys  and  comforts  of  it.  What,  when 
his  sins  stared  him  in  the  facel  when  his  conscience 
was  burdened  with  guilt  1  when  his  soul  fainted  with- 
in him,  and  without  assurance  in  his  heart  of  interest  in 
Christ's  salvation  1  is  this  a  time  to  go  to  Christ  1  Yes, 
the  very  time,  the  proper  time,  the  time  of  need,  in  which 
we  are  exhorted  to  "  come  boldly."    Heb.  4  :  16. 

O,  my  fainting  fellow-sinner  !  What  a  precious  Saviour 
is  Jesus  !  What  a  glorious  salvation  hath  he  finished  for 
us  !  What  a  special  mercy  it  is,  that  the  Spirit  excites  de- 
sires in  our  souls  for  the  enjoyment  of  it !  Well,  though 
David's  soul  faints,  yet  says  he,  "  I  hope  in  thy  word." 
What,  without  faith  1  No  :  he  had  living  faith  in  his 
heart,  though  he  fainted  for  the  joy  and  comfort  of  faith  : 
he  believed  the  word  of  grace  and  salvation,  and  he 
hoped  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  promises  of  his  Lord, 
to  the  reviving  of  his  soul :  he  honours  his  Lord's 
Avord,  trusts  in  his  faithfulness,  and  casts  the  anchor  of 
his  hope  upon  his  truth.  Go  and  do  likewise  ;  "  for  we 
are  saved  by  hope."  Rom.  8 :  24.  ''  Which  hope  we 
have  as  an  anchor  to  the  soul,  both  sure  and  steadfast, 
and  which  entereth  into  that  within  the  vail,  whither 
Jesus  is  for  us  entered."    Heb.  6  :  19,  20. 


Nov.  13. — Ml/  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  the  Lord  :  the  hum- 
ble shall  hear  thereof  and  be  glad.     Psalm  34  :  2. 

There  was  a  poor  vain-glorious  boaster,  who  had  ar- 
rived to  the  summit  of  his  happiness,  and  attained  the 
zenith  of  his  glory :  the  sun  of  prosperity  shone  with 
great  splendor  upon  him ;  he  bade  adieu  to  all  care,  and 
sat  down  to  solace  himself:  "  Soul,"  said  he,  '^  thou  hast 
much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years,  take  thine  ease,  eat, 
drink,  and  be  merry."  But,  awful  moment !  dreadful 
doom!  God  said  unto  him,  "  Thou  fool,  this  night  thy 
soul  shall  be  required  of  thee."  Luke,  12  :  19,  20 


NOVEMBER  13.  463 

O  how  many  such  are  there,  who  think  the  soul  can 
be  made  happy  in  outward  ease,  eating,  and  drinking, 
and  earthly  enjoyments  !  Alas  !  one  moment  dashes  the 
honey  of  their  comforts  into  the  gall  of  disappointment. 
Not  so  that  soul  who  boasts  in  the  Lord.  This  was  not 
a  transient  fit  of  David's,  caused  by  a  glow  of  the  pas- 
sions ;  for,  says  he,  '^  I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times : 
his  praise  shall  be  continually  in  my  mouth."  This  is 
living  indeed  like  a  son  of  God  and  an  heir  of  glory. 
Paul,  like  David,  sets  us  the  same  example.  Christ  and 
free  grace,  says  Luther,  was  ever  in  his  mouth  ;  he 
never  thought  he  could  mention  the  precious  name  of 
Christ  too  often  j  he  repeats  it  in  every  verse  of  the  ten 
of  the  first  chapter  of  1  Corinthians. 

If  Christ  is  the  boast  and  glory  of  our  souls,  his  name 
will  ever  be  uppermost  in  our  hearts  and  upon  our 
tongue.  It  was  the  martyr  Lambert's  motto,  "  None  but 
Christ,  none  but  Christ."  It  is  said  of  some  one,  that  he 
seldom  or  never  mentioned  the  name  of  Jesus  without 
a  tear.  A  martyr  who  was  judged  to  be  dead,  being 
burned  as  black  as  a  coal  in  the  fire,  moved  his  scorched 
lips,  and  was  heard  to  say,  "  Sweet  Jesus,"  and  fell 
asleep.  These  were  all  poor,  needy  sinners,  like  our- 
selves 5  they  saw  their  want  of  Christ  j  they  believed 
what  he  had  done  for  them,  and  was  to  them ;  they 
gloried  in  him,  and  made  him  the  boast  of  their  souls- 
The  humble  are  glad  to  hear  of  this  ;  it  delights  their 
souls  to  hear  the  name  of  their  Saviour  and  his  sacrifice 
gloried  in,  his  righteousness  exalted,  and  his  salvation 
made  the  triumph  of  sinners  ;  their  hearts  catch  the 
sound,  and  with  a  glow  of  the  fire  of  love  they  join  the 
heavenly  cry,  ''  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to 
receive  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing."  Rev.  5  :  1'2.  0 
how  vastly  different  is  this  from  self-exalting  and  self- 
boasting  :  "  God  resisteth  the  proud  anxi  giveth  grace  to 
the  humble."   James,  4  :  6. 


464  NOVEMBER  14. 

Nov.  14. — But  God,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  for  his  great  love 
icherewiih  he  loved  us,  even  lohen  tee  loere  dead  in  sins,  hath 
quickened  vs  together  with  Christ  ;  {hy  grace  ye  are  saved.) 
Ephesians,  2  :  4,  5. 

My  dear  brethren  iri  Christ,  and  thon,  O  my  soul,  one 
chief  reason  why  at  any  time  we  have  so  little  comfort 
and  are  so  low  in  joy  is,  that  we  do  not  enough  believ^e 
and  live  upon  the  love  of  God.  Let  us  never  think  of 
or  look  for  any  mercy  from  God  Avithout  considering 
that  it  flows  from  love.  Is  God  rich  in  mercy  to  any  *? 
It  is  because  he  loves  them.  Great  love,  everlasting,  un- 
changeable love  is  the  source  and  spring  of  rich  mercy. 
It  was  rich  mercy  for  God  to  give  us  his  beloved  Son  to 
be  our  Saviour.  This  was  because  of  his  great  love  to 
us  before  time  :  he  loveii  us  from  eternity  in  his  Son : 
he  loves  us  through  time  and  under  all  states  and  cir- 
cumstances :  yea,  when  we  were  forlorn,  helpless,  hope- 
less, even  ''dead  in  sins,''^  he  loved  us  with  greai  love, 
too  great  to  be  conceived  or  expressed  :  he  manifested 
it  by  bestowing  rich  mercy  upon  us ;  mercy  so  rich,  so 
'free,  so  liberal,  that  it  came  to  us  unsought,  unasked, 
undeserved. 

His  great  love  for  us  was  the  parent  of  his  rich  mercy 
to  us.  Mercy  without  love  may  be  exercised  by  an 
enemy  ;  but  the  mercy  of  God  flows  from  the  heart  of 
a  Father :  he  saw  our  souls  dead  in  sin,  dead  under  his 
law,  dead  to  himself.  Did  he  leave  us  1  No.  He  loved 
us  with  great  love,  therefore  in  rich  mercy  he  ''quick- 
ened us."  "Quickened  us!"  says  one.  "Is  that  alH" 
A  quickened  soul,  some  think,  is  in  a  very  inferior  de- 
gree of  grace  5  it  is  neither  justified  nor  sanctified — but 
such  persons  are  great  strangers  to  the  rich  mercy  and 
great  love  of  God  ;  they  do  not  consider  that  souls  are 
quickened  together  with,  Christ.  In  Him  is  the  sweetness 
of  quickening  me^cy    enjoyed.    Quickened   souls   see 


NOVEMBER  15.  465 

their  sinfulness,  know  their  poverty,  feel  their  misery 
and  wretchedness,  and  groan  under  a  body  of  sin  and 
death  :  but  here  is  their  glory,  joy,  and  comfort;  they 
are  one  with  Christ ;  his  life  is  theirs,  his  death  is  theirs, 
his  righteousness  is  theirs,  his  holiness  is  theirs,  his 
fulness  is  theirs.  Though  sin  is  not  dead  in  us,  yet  be- 
ing one  with  Christ,  we  are  ''  dead  indeed  unto  sin  and 
alive  to  God."  By  grace  ye  are  saved :  not  by  your  own 
deeds  or  righteousness.  Therefore  rejoice  ;  "  quickened 
together  with  Christ,"  your  salvation  is  not  precarious 
and  uncertain  ;  you  shall  reign  v/ith  him.  O,  may  love, 
mercy,  and  grace  be  the  constant  theme  of  our  souls ! 


Nov.  15. — Mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  mine  head  :  as  an  heavy 
burden,  they  are  too  heavy  for  me.  Psalm  38  :  4. 

Though  there  may  be  pleasures  in  sin  for  a  season, 
yet,  at  the  last,  ''  it  biteth  like  a  serpent,  and  stingetli 
like  an  adder."  0  come  hither  and  see  how  the  venom 
of  sin  has  overspread  poor  David's  whole  frame :  read 
this  Psalm :  mark  the  anguish  of  his  conscience  and 
the  distress  of  his  soul:  and  say,  is  not  sin  "exceeding 
sinful  V  What  pain  out  of  hell  can  be  compared  to  the 
pain  of  a  guilty  conscience!  But  better,  infinitely  better, 
to  smart  for  sin  here,  than  to  cry  out  of  the  smart  of  sin 
in  hell.  Conviction  of  sin  by  the  Spirit  is  in  order  to 
cleansing  from  sin  by  the  blood  of  Christ.  Better  to 
weep  from  the  disquietude  of  one's  soul  on  earth,  than 
to  sleep  secure  in  siu  till  we  weep  for  sin  in  the  bot- 
tomless pit :  one  or  other  will  be  the  portion  of  all  flesh. 

Two  comparisons  are  before  us  expressive  of  David's 
distress.  "  Mine  iniquities  are  go^e  over  mine  head." 
He  was  like  a  man  in  the  greatest  danger  of  drowning: 
overwhelmed  in  distress,  like  one  whose  head  was  un- 
der water :  his  iniquities  caused  his  soul  to  sink  within 
him.    They  were  "  as  a  heavy  burden."    He  had  great- 

20* 


4:66  NOVEMBER  16. 

er  weight  upon  him  than  he  could  bear.  He  cries  out, 
as  though  ready  to  be  crushed  by  its  ponderous  load, 
"  they  are  too  heavy  for  me." 

Look  at  his  cry,  and  hear  upon  whom  he  calls  :  "  Make 
haste  to  help  me,  O  Lord,  my  salvation."  Psalm  38  :  22. 
Though  pressed  down  with  iniquities  on  his  conscience, 
yet  he  had  salvation  in  view,  and  the  Lord  of  his  salva- 
tion as  his  hope.  O  Lord,  my  salvation.  Now,  can  you 
be  in  a  worse  state  than  David  was  1  Can  you  be  in 
more  distressing  circumstances'?  He  was  sinking  in 
deep  waters.  In  such  a  state,  you  may  discover  whe- 
ther your  convictions  are  evangelical  and  you  possess 
the  faith  of  God's  elect  or  not.  Legal  convictions  only 
fill  the  soul  with  terror,  drive  it  from  God,  and  leave  it 
in  despair.  Convictions  from  the  Spirit,  the  Comforter, 
lead  the  soul  to  Christ ;  and  the  faith,  hope  and  cry  of 
the  soul  will  be  after  the  help  and  salvation  of  Jesus 
only  :  >for  he  is  "  the  Lamb  of  God  who  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world."  Behold  him,  O  my  soul,  under  every 
sense  of  guilt ;  believe  him,  under  every  dejection  of 
soul ;  for  he  hath  assured  us,  "  All  manner  of  sin  and 
blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men."  Matt.  12  :  31. 


Nov.  16. — But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  theyn  gave  he  power  to 
become  the  sons  of  God.  John,  1 :  12. 
Man  lost  paradise  by  receiving  a  gift  from  Satan. 
There  is  no  way  to  regain  it  but  by  receiving  Christ, 
the  gift  of  God.  Am  I  one  of  the  many  who  have  re- 
ceived Christ  1  This  question  is  of  eternal  moment.  If 
I  have  not  received  him,  no  matter  what  I  profess,  by 
what  name  I  am  called,  what  I  think  of  myseh^,  or  others 
think  of  me  ;  for  I  am  certainly  in  a  state  of  wrath,  ex- 
posed to  eternal  damnation.  What  answer  does  con- 
science return  to  this  important  question!  God  may 
this  day  require  my  soul.     I  may  be  in  eternity  before 


NOVEMBER  16.  467 

the  light  of  another  morning.     Have  I  received  Christ 
or  not  % 

What  is  it  to  receive  Christ?  Many  precious  souls 
are  sadly  perplexed  and  greatly  distressed  on  this  point. 
But  why  should  they  bel  St.  John  plainly  tells  us,  that 
to  receive  Christ,  is  to  believe  on  his  name,  that  he  is 
the  anointed  Saviour  of  lost  sinners.  Do  you  receive 
this  truth  into  your  heart?  Does  your  mind  go  out  after 
Christ  1  Do  you  hunger  and  thirst  to  know  him  as  your 
Saviour  1  Then  you  do  believe  in  Christ's  name.  Bless 
the  Holy  Spirit,  who  has  opened  your  eyes  to  see  his 
glory  and  your  heart  to  receive  this  precious  Jesus  : 
hear  and  rejoice  :  he  gives  you,  and  all  such,  '^  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God."  Not  merely  puts  it  in  the 
power  of  your  free-will  to  choose  whether  you  will  be- 
come a  son  of  God  or  not ;  but  he  actually  bestows  this 
heavenly  honor  upon  us.  He  gives  us  the  righi  (or  privi- 
lege^ as  in  the  margin  of  our  Bibles)  of  enjoying  the  com- 
fort and  blessing  of  being  the  adopted  sons  of  God.  0 
the  riches  of  new  covenant  grace  and  love  !  What  a 
miracle  of  mercy  is  this  !  Of  the  children  of  wrath  and 
heirs  of  hell,  Christ  makes  us  sons  of  God  and  heirs  of 
heaven ! 

Why  then  do  you  ever  live  uncomfortably,  or  walk 
miholilyl  It  is  because  you  do  not  assert  your  right^ 
maintain  your  privilege,  and  live  up  to  your  power,  in 
your  mind  and  conscience.  Hence  love  to  and  delight 
in  your  Father  God,  and  your  Saviour  Jesus,  are  want- 
ing. O  remember,  ever  remember,  as  you  received  Christ 
by  faith,  all  your  power,  peace  and  comfort  flow  from  him 
through  faith :  study,  strive  and  pray  to  the  Spirit  to  keep 
faith  lively  in  act  and  exercise,  that  you  may  live  and  walk 
on  earth  so  as  to  glorify  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven  : 
for  if  you  arc  a  son  of  God,  by  faith  in  Christ,  you  have 
the  heart  of  a  son  ;  the  fear,  the  love,  the  hope,  and  the 
delight  of  a  son  of  God  ;  and  you  will  rejoice  to  think 


468  NOVEMBER  17. 

that  you  shall   soon  be  at  home   with   your  heavenly 
Father. 


Nov.  17. — We  also  joy  in  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christy 
hy  whom  we  have  now  received  the  atonement.    Rom.  5:11. 

Having  obtained  the  king's  free  pardon  for  a  poor  man 
sentenced  for  transportation,  I  carried  it  to  the  jail  to 
him  :  seeing  the  poor  fettered  creature  fall  down  upon 
his  knees  to  return  thanks,  caused  a  burst  of  tears  from 
mine  eyes  of  heart-felt  joy.  I  thought,  this  is  just  what 
thou,  O  my  precious  Saviour,  hast  done  for  me  :  thou 
hast  obtained  a  free  and  full  pardon  of  all  my  sins,  set 
my  soul  at  liberty,  and  filled  it  with  peace  and  joy,  by 
the  one  atonement  of  thy  precious  blood.  The  poor  con- 
vict had  not  read  his  pardon  :  he  had  nat  seen  the  king's 
name  to  it.  I  only  made  the  report  to  him  that  I  had  it : 
he  believed  me  ;  hence  he  was  happy,  joyful  and  thank- 
ful.   Thus  he  received  his  pardon. 

Now  here  is  a  simple  and  plain  idea  of  faith — of  re- 
ceiving the  atonement  of  Christ  and  of  joy  in  God.  You 
are  a  poor  sinner :  the  Spirit  of  God  comes  and  con- 
vinces you  of  sin  :  you  are  arraigned,  tried,  brought  in 
guilty,  and  condemned  in  the  court  of  conscience  :  you 
are  concluded  under  sin  and  shut  up  in  unbelief:  here 
you  wait  in  sorrow  and  distress  for  the  sentence  of  the 
law  to  be  executed  upon  you:  you  find  you  can  do 
nothing  that  can  obtain  pardon  and  liberty  for  your 
poor  soul :  but,  the  Gospel  brings  the  glad  tidings  of 
the  atonement  of  Christ  to  your  ears,  and  that  by  it  a 
full  and  free  pardon  is  obtained  for  sinners. 

Now,  what  reception  does  it  meet  with  in  your,  heart  1 
Say  you,  I  believe  it  from  the  very  bottom  of  my  heart, 
but  I  fear  it  is  not  for  me  1  It  is  free  for  all  who  will 
receive  it  by  faith.  You  believe  it,  therefore  you  have 
received  it:  you  ought  to  joy  in  God  for  it     Examine 


NOVEMBER  18.  469 

into  the  grounds  of  your  fears  and  doubts.  Is  the  atone- 
ment of  Christ  sufficient  to  satisfy  divine  justice  and 
obtain  pardon  and  peace  1  This  you  cannot  doubt.  Is  it 
not  free  for  all  sorts  of  sinners  1  Of  this  you  can  have 
no  fear  :  "  Fox  this  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of 
all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to 
save  sinners^  1  Tim.  1  :  15.  Do  you  fear  that  you  are 
too  great  a  sinner  1  This  cannot  be.  Paul  says,  of  sin- 
ners /  am  chief:  yet  he  received  the  atonement,  and  was 
saved  by  it.  Learn  hence,  that  all  joy  in  God  springs 
from  the  one  atonement  of  Christ  for  sin,  and  that  only^ 
exclusive  of  every  thing  else.  Every  one  who  believes 
in  Christ  has  now  received  this  atonement ;  and  there- 
fore ought  constantly  to  joy  in  God  the  Father's  ever- 
lasting love. 


ISTov.  18. — Stand  fast  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Christ 
has  made  us  free  ^  and  he  not  entangled  with  the  yoke  of  bond- 


age.   Gal.  5:1, 


Here  is  something  enjoyed,  the  danger  of  being  de- 
prived of  it,  and  the  necessity  of  standing  fast  in  it.  Let 
us  consider  these  three  points,  looking  unto  Jesus. 

What  is  enjoyed  1  Liberty  :  one  of  the  most  precious 
blessings  in  life  j  but  this,  of  all  liberties,  the  most  pre- 
cious ;  for  Christ  hath  made  us  free  in  our  consciences, 
from  the  guilt  and  power  of  sin  ;  from  the  condemnation 
of  the  law ;  and  given  us  access  to  God  as  righteous 
persons.  He  hath  v^ashed  away  the  guilt  of  our  sins  by 
his  blood,  and  subdued  the  power  of  them  by  his  Spirit  ] 
"  He  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being 
made  a  curse  for  us."  Gal.  3  :  13.  So  that  there  is  now 
no  condemnation  to  us,  being  in  Christ  Jesus.  Rom.  8  :  1. 
He  presents  us  before  his  Father  in  his  perfect  righteous- 
ness. We  are  "  accepted  in  the  beloved,"  as  righteous, 
"  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace."    Eph.  1  : 6. 


470  NOVEMBER  19. 

Thus  Christ  hath  freed  us  from  the  law,  sin,  death  and 
hell :  he  has  brought  us  into  this  blessed  liberty  by  his 
Spirit.  We  enjoy  this  precious  freedom  in  our  con- 
sciences by  faith.  O  brethren,  let  us  glory  in  our  ines- 
timable privilege  :  let  us  ever  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus, 
and  give  him  the  glory  of  our  hearts,  lips  and  lives. 

See  your  danger  of  being  entangled  again  with  the 
yoke  of  bondage.  We  who  now  enjoy  the  precious 
liberty  of  Christ,  were  once  slaves  to  the  law ;  a  most 
dreadful  yoke  it  was.  We  felt  wrath  working  in  our 
consciences,  and  dread  and  terror  hung  over  our  guilty 
heads  from  day  to  day.  O  how  did  we  then  pant  and 
cry  for  Christ  to  set  our  souls  at  liberty.  We  were  tied 
and  bound  with  the  chain  of  our  sins,  fettered  by  the 
law,  shut  up  in  unbelief.  My  soul  deeply  felt  this  dis- 
tress. 0  beware  of  bondage  again.  Tiiere  is  danger  on 
the  right  hand  and  on  the  left.  The  pleasures  of  sin,  and 
the  pride  of  our  hearts  seeking,  either  in. whole  or  in 
part,  justification  by  the  law  of  works,  are  both  equally 
contrary  to  our  freedom  in  Christ. 

Let  us  therefore  stand  fast  in  the  liberty  of  Christ. 
Oppose  your  happiness  in  Christ  to  all  the  pleasures  of 
sin,  which  are  but  for  a  season.  Stand  fast  in  your  free- 
dom in  Christ,  against  all  the  corrupt  notions  of  self- 
righteous  men,  who  are  under  the  law,  seeking  to  be 
justified,  in  whole  or  in  part,  by  their  own  works.  Stand, 
fast  against  all  the  accusations  of  Satan :  we  overcome 
him  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  Stand  fast  against  all 
the  legal  workings  of  your  flesh :  for  we  are  the  Lord's 
freemen  :  we  are  no  more  under  bondage. 


Nov.    19. — Arid  he  requested  for  himself  that  he  might  die. 

1  Kings,  19  :  4. 
'^  Elias  was  a  man  subject  to  like  passions  as  we  are," 
James,  5  :  17.  This  request  proves  it.    It  arose  from  fear 


NOVEMBER  19.  471 

and  discontent.  Both  were  occasioned  by  the  threats 
of  a  weak,  but  wicked  woman.  Jezebel  threatened  his 
life.  O  how  soon  and  by  what  weak  means  are  the  ele- 
vated joys  of  God's  children  interrupted.  What,  Elijah  ! 
that  great  prophet  of  the  Lord,  who  had  wrought  so 
many  miracles  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  had  been 
so  miraculously  fed  by  ravens,  according  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  Lord — he,  who  had  courage  to  say,  ''  As 
the  Lord  of  hosts  liveth,  before  whom  I  stand,  I  will 
surely  show  myself  to  incensed  Ahab  to-day" — what, 
he  !  who  had  zeal  to  face  four  hundred  and  fifty  of  Baal's 
priests,  and  to  command  them  all  to  be  slain — what, 
does  he  request  to  die  because  of  the  threatenings  of 
JezebeH  What  shall  we  say  to  this]  Verily,  human 
nature  is  the  same  in  all,  whether  prophets,  patriarchs, 
or  apostles:  all  men  are  not  the  same  at  all  times  :  the 
flesh  is  part  of  themselves :  it  lusts  against  the  Spirit : 
this  is  manifest  in  all,  none  excepted.  What  is  man 
when  left  of  God  1  What  are  the  best  of  men  when  left 
to  themselves  1 

"  And  yet  the  same  apostle  James  says,  "  Take,  my 
brethren,  the  prophets  who  have  spoken  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  for  an  example  of  suffering  affliction,  and  of 
patience."  James,  5  :  10.  But  where  shall  we  find  a 
perfect  character  1  Paul  might  well  say,  "  We  have  this 
treasure  (all  the  gifts  and  graces  of  God's  Spirit)  in  ear- 
then vessels."  Why  1  That  the  excellency  of  the  power 
might  be  of  God,  and  not  of  us.  2  Cor.  4:7.  If  men 
were  not  sometimes  left  to  themselves  they  would  for- 
get this.  Elijah,  like  Paul,  was  in  danger  of  being  ex- 
alted above  measure  for  his  eminent  gifts,  graces  and 
miraculous  works :  he  is  left  to  be  buffeted,  that  he 
might  know  his  own  sinfulness  and  impotence. 

Learn  now  a  lesson  from  this :  prophets,  apostles, 
ministers  of  Christ,  are  men  of  like  passions,  frail  sin- 
ners like  yourselves.    Paul  forbears  glorying;  "lest  any 


472  NOVEMBER  20. 

man  ghoiild  think  of  me  above  what  he  sees  me  to  be." 
2  Cor.  12  :  6.  If  we  so  judge  of  ministers,  we  shall  be 
ih  great  danger  of  harm  thereby.  We  shall  over-rate 
them,  look  to  them,  instead  of  looking  through  them  to 
God  :  we  shall  rest  on  their  teaching  instead  of  God's  j 
and  then,  if  we  see  those  infirmities  in  them  which  are 
common  to  men,  we  shall  under-rate  them  and  be  pre- 
judiced against  them,  so  as  not  to  be  profited  by  them. 
Cease  ye  from  man  :  look  unto  the  Lord. 


Nov.  20.— Behold,  he  prayeth.   Acts,  9:  11. 

In  many  trades  it  is  customary  to  show  samples  or 
patterns  :  by  these  men  judge  of  the  goodness  or  quality 
of  the  whole.  Paul  sets  himself  forth  as  an  example  of 
the  free,  distinguishing,  unmerited  grace  of  God,  that 
we  should  judge  of  its  nature  by  its  efficacy  upon  him : 
"  for  this  cause  I  obtained  mercy  :  that  in  me,  first  Jesus 
Christ  might  show  forth  all  long-suffering,  for  a  pattern 
to  them  who  should  hereafter  believe  on  him  to  life 
everlasting."    1  Tim.  1  :  16. 

Thou  hast  seen  this  pattern  of  free  grace.  What  dost 
thou  think  of  it  1  The  whole  is  like  the  pattern.  Grace 
finds  no  more  pre-requisites  or  fitness  in  any  than  it  did 
in  Paul ;  and  it  produces  the  same  efTects  in  others  as  it 
did  in  him.  Grace  and  mercy  from  Jesus  makes  Saul 
pray  to  Jesus:  there  is  the  emphasis:  this  is  the  main 
point :  "  Behold,  he  iprayeth,''''  To  whom  \  Doubtless  he 
had  prayed  much  and  often,  while  an  unconverted 
pharisee  ;  but  it  was  to  an  unknown  God.  He  knew 
there  was  a  God :  he  knew  it  was  his  duty  to  pray  to 
him  ;  but  he  knew  him  not.  But  now  Jesus  speaks  to 
him:  God  manifests  himself  to  him  in  Christ :  therefore, 
behold,  take  special  notice  of  this,  "  Behold,  he  prayeth," 
to  Jesus  ;  to  God  in  Christ.  He  no  longer  dares  to  come 
to  God  in  his  own  np.mc,  to  expect  access  to  God  and 


NOVEMBER  21.  473 

acceptance  with  him  on  account  of  his  own  sincerity 
or  works  of  righteousness,  but  in  the  nanne,  blood  and 
righteousness  of  the  Son  of  God  only. 

So  he  prayed,  so  he  proved  his  conversion  to  Jesus : 
hence  the  true  spirit  of  prayer  manifested  itself  in  him  ; 
his  prayers  were  agreeable  to,  and  sprung  from  his 
knowledge  of  himself  as  a  poor  sinner,  and  faith  in  the 
Son  of  God  as  the  only  Saviour.  This  is  the  prayer  in 
which  God  delights,  and  which  he  especially  notices 
as  an  evidence  of  true  conversion.  Hence  know  that 
prayerless  souls  are  Christless.  Prayer,  without  the 
knowledge  of  Christ,  faith  in  him,  hope  of  eternal  life 
by  him,  and  acceptance  through  him,  is  only  lip  service 
and  formal  duty.  But  the  spirit  of  prayer  arises  in 
the  heart  from  a  discovery  of  God  in  Christ ;  the  know- 
ledge of  him,  by  believing  his  word  of  grace  and  truth, 
and  expecting  his  mercy  and  salvation,  according  to  his 
great  and  precious  promises  given  in  Christ.  Dost  thou 
pray  thus  ]  Then  it  may  be  truly  said  of  thee,  behold 
thou  art  converted  ;  thy  prayers  evidence  it :  the  God 
who  heareth  prayer  hath  manifested  himself  to  thee  as 
he  does  not  unto  the  world. 


Nov.  2\.—But  one  thing  is  needful.    Luke,  10  :  42. 

Happy,  most  happy  for  that  soul  who  can  simply  bring 
all  things  to  centre  in  one  point,  jyiore  than  one  object 
perplexes  the  mind.  We  stand  and  pause,  doubting 
where  we  shall  begin,  and  neglect  both.  What  is  the  one 
thing  needful  ?  It  is  plain  that  by  it  our  Saviour  means 
that  the  soul  maintains  intimate  communion  with  him- 
self. This  Mary  did :  she  '^  sat  at  his  feet  and  heard  his 
word."  Every  thing  else  is  but  a  drudgery  compared 
with  this  j  for  this  one  thing  comprises  all  the  holiness, 
happiness  and  heavenly-mindedness  of  the  soul. 

O,  if  we    have  the  presence    of   Jesus,  guilty  fears 


474  NOVEMBER  2^. 

vanish,  doubts  are  scattered,  legal  terrors  are  silenced, 
anxious  cares  subside,  strong  temptations  lose  their 
forcie,  Satan  is  resisted,  afflictions  are  sweetened,  turbu- 
lent passions  calmed,  raging  corruptions  subdued,  pride 
is  brought  down,  humility  is  excited,  peace  with  God 
is  enjoyed,  holiness  promoted,  the  fear  of  death  is  con- 
quered, the  terrors  of  hell  chased  away,  the  prospect 
of  glory  in  the  full  fruition  of  Jesus  is  sought  and  longed 
for,  earth  loses  its  charms,  heaven  is  in  the  heart,  to 
be  absent  from  the  body  and  present  with  the  Lord  be- 
comes the  one  desire  of  the  soul. 

Say,  O  christian,  what  one  thing  else  can  produce 
so  many,  and  such  blessed  effects,  as  close  communion 
\vith  our  Saviour  %  Is  not  this  the  one  things  above  all 
others,  needful!  Needful  at  all  times  and  in  all  sea- 
sons ;  needful  in  the  hour  of  prosperity  and  in  the  day 
of  adversity.  O,  if  this  one  thing  is  maintained  in  the 
soul,  your  sweet  communion  with  Christ  cannot  fail  to 
subject  the  will,  attract  the  affections,  and  beget  holy 
conformity  to  him.  You  will  not  wish  or  dare  to  follow 
any  thing  w^hich  is  contrary  to  your  Lord,  while  you 
live  near  him  and  dwell  in  holy  fellowship  with  him. 
Thus  religion  is  brought  to  a  single  point  ',  holiness  and 
happiness  resolved  into  one  thing.  There  is  but  one 
Lord  to  make  you  holy  and  happy,  but  one  faith  by 
which  you  know  him  and  cleave  to  him  j  but  there  are 
a  thousand  things  to  prevent  this.  O  may  this  "  one 
thing  needful  "  rise  superior  to  all  !  Think,  O  my  soul, 
of  Mary's  choice.  Remember  thy  Saviour's  approbation 
of  it.  O,  do  thou  also  choose  this  good  part,  which  shall 
never  be  taken  away. 


Nov.  22. — The  salvation  of  the  righteous  is  of  the  Lord,  he  is 
their  strength  in  the  time  of  trouble.  Psalm  37  :  39. 
We  may  say  of  righteousness  as  Job  says  of  wisdom, 
"  Where  shall  righteousness  be  found  1     And  where  is 


NOVEJMBER  22.  475 

the  place  of  understanding  ?  Man  knoweth  not  the  price 
thereof,  neither  is  it  to  be  found  in  the  land  of  the  liv- 
ing." Job,  28  :  12,  13.  The  patriarch  says,  It  is  not  in 
me.  The  prophet  says,  It  is  not  in  me.  The  apostle 
says.  It  is  not  in  me.  The  Lord  saith,  "  All  flesh  hath 
corrupted  his  way."  Gen.  6  :  12.  "  There  is  none  that 
doeth  good,  no^  not  one.''''  Psalm  14  :  3. 

Why  then  do  the  Scriptures  speak  so  much  of  the 
righteous,  if  there  are  no  such  persons  upon  earth  %  In- 
deed there  are.  This  is  a  point  of  great  importance  : 
the  Lord  settle  it  well  in  your  heart  and  mine.  \¥e  are 
poor  sinners  in  ourselves  ;  we  have  no  righteousness  of 
our  own  ;  yet,  saith  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  righteous  one, 
"  Their  righteousness  is  of  me."  Isa.  54  :  17.  We  are 
made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Christ.  2  Cor.  5  :21. 
When  we  are  taught  this  by  the  Spirit  of  truth,  instead 
of  looking  into  ourselves  for  righteousness,  we  cry  out 
in  the  joy  of  faith,  I  have  found  it :  "  In  the  Lord  have 
I  righteousness."  Isa.  45  :  24.  Then  we  have  a  living 
union  with  the  Lord  our  righteousiiess^hy  idiith  \  being 
perfectly  rigliteous  in  him,  we  have  righteous  hopes, 
fears,  desires,  a  righteous  walk,  and  righteous  expecta- 
tions ;  for  we  know  our  salvation  is  of  the  Lord.  The 
Spirit  of  truth  does  not  leave  us  to  the  unrighteous  no- 
tions of  salvation  on  account  of  our  own  works,  duties, 
and  performances,  either  in  whole  or  in  part ;  but  he 
shows  us  such  matchless  glory  in  our  Lord's  one  ever- 
lasting righteousness,  that  we  renounce  all  our  own 
righteousness,  and  all  dependance  on  it  for  salvation. 
The  Lord  increase  our  faith  in  this  righteousness  :  Lord, 
quicken  our  love  to  thee  for  making  us  righteous. 

But  though  thus  righteous,  yet  sin  is  in  us ;  therefore 
we  have  our  troubles  :  "  many  are  the  afflictions  of  the 
righteous."  Are  we  in  trouble  from  the  number  of  our 
enemies,  the  greatness  of  our  sins  and  corruptions,  the 
weakness   of  our  graces,  the  strength  of  our  tempta- 


476  .  NOVEMBER  23. 

tions,  a  sense  of  desertion,  or  the  want  of  comfort, 
peace  and  joy  from  the  Lord  1  These  are  righteous 
troubles.  The  righteous  Lord  is  our  strength  to  sup- 
port us  under  them:  he  has  power  to  remove  them:  he 
neither  wants  love  nor  power  to  save  us  from  them,  for 
the  Lord  delivereth  the  "  righteous  out  of  all  his  trou- 
bles."   Fsalm  34^ :  17. 


Nov.  23. — Take  heed  and  beware  of  covetousness.  Luke,  12  :  15. 

It  is  said,  that  if  a  person  seeks  for  the  2^^'i^osopher^s 
stone  (which  is  fabled  as  turning  all  metals  into  gold) 
with  a  covetous  desire  to  be  rich,  he  may  be  sure  not  to 
find  it.  We  are  sure  that  precious  jewel,  contentment, 
is  not  to  be  found  in  a  covetou&4ieart.  Let  philosophers 
and  moralists  reason  ever  so  persuasively  against  the 
evil  of  covetousness,  yet  the  love  of  money  will  rise  su- 
perior to  all.  What  mighty  charms  are  there  in  gold ! 
But  the  voice  of  our  Beloved  heV6  speaks  :  his  words  are 
spirit  and  life.  Hear  them,  O  disciple  :  "  Take  heed  and 
beware." 

Consider  this  admonition  of  thy  Lord's.  It  is  redoub- 
led:  ^^  Take  heed ;  beware.''''  Just  as  the  loving  parent, 
seeing  his  dear  child  running  into  the  jaws  of  danger, 
cries  out  with  vehemence,  Take  care !  Take  care  !  Fix 
this  in  thy  mind  ;  there  is  great,  very  great  danger  here  : 
our  Lord  sees  it :  his  love  speaks  with  the  utmost  ear- 
nestness, that  we  may  avoid  covetousness. 

What  is  covetousness  1  One  gave  a  good  definition 
of  it,  who  being  advised  to  leave  ofl^  business,  as  he  had 
enough,  replied,  '^  What  is  enough!  It  is  a  little  more 
than  a  man  has^ 

Consider  the  evil  of  covetousness.  That  insatiable 
desire  prevents  present  contentment,  destroys  thankful- 
ness, yea,  and  keeps  the  enjoyment  of  Christ  out  of  the 
lieart.    Can  a  covetous  mind  be  happy  in  God  \  No  j  no 


NOVEMBER  24.  ,        477 

more  than  Dives  could  have  been  happy  in  the  misera- 
ble circumstances  of  Lazarus,  full  of  hunger  and  sores. 
Will  any  one  ask,  What  harm  is 'there  in  the  love  of 
riches  ?  Paul  expressly  answers.  '^  A  covetous  man  is 
an  idolater."  Eph.  5:5.  Is  there  no  harm  in  this  1  Onr 
Lord  says,  "  Seek  ye  first  (principally,  chiefly,  and  above 
all  other  things)  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  all  these 
things  shall  be  added  unto  you."  Matt.  6  :  33.  Is  there 
no  harm  in  reversing  Christ's  command ;  and  slighting 
his  kingdom  of  love,  righteousness,  peace  and  joy  in  th? 
Holy  Ghost ;  by  preferring  riches'! 

Soul,  consider.  What  is  your  profession  1  Are  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  enough  to  satisfy  your 
mind,  or  are  they  not  1  Can  the  enjoyment  of  fellowship 
with  Christ  make  your  heart  happy  or  not  \  Have  you 
faith  to  believe  this,  or  have  you  not  \  Does  Christ  here 
caution  you  to  no  purpose,  where  there  is  no  danger  \ 
O,  lay  this  to  heart  j  cry  to  the  Lord.  Covetousness  is 
natural  to  us :  lively  faith  in  Christ  will  kill  it ;  for  it 
will  enable  the  soul  to  say  with  Paul,  '^  I  am  full  and 
abound."    Phil.  4  :  18. 


Nov.  24. — And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Now  let  me  die,  since  I 
Tiave  seen  thy  face,  because  thou  art  yet  alive.  Gen.  46  :  30. 

Strange  request !  What,  just  come  to  the  sight  and 
embrace  of  thy  long-lost  son,  and  yet  wish  to  leave  him 
at  the  very  first  interview  ?  One  would  have  thought  the 
language  of  Jacob  should  have  been,  Happy  man  !  I  not 
only  see  my  beloved  son,  but  also  see  him  governor  over 
all  the  land :  I  hope  I  shall  live  long  to  enjoy  his  riches 
and  grandeur.  But  no :  the  good  man  had  lived  long 
enough  to  make  an  estimate  of  the  uncertainties  of  life  ; 
to  know  the  evil  of  days,  the  vicissitudes  of  time,  and 
how  soon  the  day  of  brilliant  joy  might  be  changed  into 
an  eclipse  of  gloom  and  sadness.     The  sight  of  his  son 


478  NOVEMBER  24. 

was  the  summit  of  his  wishes  :  that  granted,  he  sought 
no  more ;   he  wished  to  be  at  home  with  his  Lord. 

Happy  christian,  thus  to  hold  as  subordinate  all  crea* 
ture  enjoyments,  even  when  at  their  highest  flood,  and 
to  have  the  mind  go  out  in  longings  for  the  heavenly 
world  :  this  bespeaks  the  spirituality  of  the  affections. 
Many  have  for  a  time  manfully  withstood  the  frowns  of 
the  world  ',  but  its  smiles  have  caressed,  enchanted,  and 
at  last  overcome  them.  To  choose  death,  to  be  with 
Jesus,  when  all  things  around  are  inviting  and  engaging, 
shows  that  Christ  has  the  supreme  affections  of  our 
hearts. 

Here  see  the  nature  of  christian  faith.  It  confesses 
that  Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh :  that  though  he  was 
dead,  yet  he  is  alive  for  evermore,  and  hath  the  keys  of 
hell  and  of  death  :  and  that  he  has  opened  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  to  all  believers.  Therefore,  as  Israel  rejoiced 
to  see  his  beloved  son,  and  could  depart  in  peace,  so  the 
believer  rejoices  at  the  sight  of  Christ  by  faith.  Christ 
is  the  glory  of  the  believer's  soul.  He  can  die  peace- 
fully, viewing  the  death  of  Christ  for  his  justification, 
and  the  intercession  of  Christ  prevailing  for  his  eternal 
glorification. 

This  faith  is  more  than  a  notion  in  the  head  :  it  brings 
victory  into  the  heart.  ''  For  this  is  the  victory  that 
overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith :  who  is  he  that 
overcometh  the  world,  but  he  that  believeth  that  Jesus 
is  the  Son  of  God  1"  1  John,  5  :  4,  5.  It  is  impossible  to 
overcome  the  world,  in  any  other  way  than  by  seeing 
greater  glory  and  happiness  in  the  Son  of  God  than  this 
world  can  bestow  :  but  by  faith  we  see  this  ;  therefore 
we  exchange  shadows  for  substance,  baubles  for  jewels. 
O,  rest  not  in  a  dead  faith,  which  brings  not  the  glory 
of  Christ  into  the  heart,  and  brings  no  glory  to  Christ  in 
the  life. 


NOVEMBER  25.  479 

Nov*  25- — Lest  Israel  vaunt  thejnselves    against  me,    sayings 
Mine  own  hand  hath  saved  me.  '  Judges,  7  :  2. 

Thus  the  Lord  reasoned  with  Gideon  :  he  knows  what 
is  in  man:  he  sees  the  pride  of  the  human  heart,  and 
how  prone  we  all  are  to  boast  in  an  arm  of  flesh.  The 
Lord  is  jealous  of  his  own  glory.  Gideon's  army  of  two 
and  thirty  thousand  is  brought  down  to  three  hundred: 
by  this  handful  of  men,  and  no  more,  did  Gideon  gain 
the  victory  over  the  Midianites.  The  Lord's  wisdom  in 
this  was,  "  Lest  Israel  should  vaunt  themselves  against 
me  and  say,  mine  own  hand  hath  saved  me." 

Here  are  two  little  words  of  great  import :  against  me. 
Remember,  christian,  whenever  thou  dost  boast  of  thy 
power,  thy  goodness,  thy  works,  duties,  and  perform- 
ances in  order  to  be  saved,  thou  art  then,  as  it  were,  two 
and  thirty  thousand  strong  :  thou  vauntest  thy se][  against 
the  Lord:  thou  art  glorying  in  some  measure  or  degree 
in  thine  own  arm  of  might  and  power  to  save  thyself. 
Thou  art  trusting  to  thy  works,  to  save  thee  in  whole 
or  in  part.  Be  assured  thy  Lord  will  bring  thee  down, 
and  weaken  thy  numbers,  that  he  may  have  the  sole 
glory  of  thy  salvation. 

The  Lord  proclaimed,  that  all  who  were  afraid  should 
depart.  Two  and  twenty  thousand  returned.  So  he  will 
proclaim  the  terrors  of  his  just,  holy,  and  righteous  law 
in  thine  ears,  and  cause  thy  heart  to  tremble.  Then 
shalt  thou  get  rid  of  much  of  thy  self-righteous  confi- 
dence :  it  shall  depart  from  thee.  Again  he  brought  the 
people  down  to  the  water  and  tried  them  by  lapping. 
Here  also  he  reduced  their  numbers  to  prevent  their 
vaunting.  So  he  will  try  thee  by  the  waters  of  affliction. 
Here  he  will  cut  off  the  strength  of  thy  vain  confidence 
and  prevent  thy  vaunting  thyself  against  him.  Thus, 
when  thou  findest  the  commandment  come  with  power, 
and  sin  revive,  then  wilt  thou  die  to  self-confidence,  and 


480  NOVEMBER  26. 

glory  alone  in  the  Lord.  When  the  pruning-knife  of 
affliction  has  cut  off  thy  luxurious  branches  of  pride  and 
vain  glory,  then  wilt  thou  say  in  deep  humility,  Wretch 
that  I  am,  that  I  should  trust  in  myself  and  depart  in 
heart  from  the  Lord.  I  thank  thee,  my  dear  Saviour,  for 
ail  the  pains  thou  takest  with  my  proud  nature,  to  bring 
me  to  glory  only  in  thee,  and  to  say,  "  In  God  is  my 
salvation  and  my  glory,"    Psalm  62  :  7. 


Nov.  26. — He  that  ladceth  these  things  is  Mind,  and  cannot  see 
afar  off,  and  hath  forgotten  that  he  teas  purged  from  his  old 
sins.    2  Peter,  1  :  9. 

It  is  hard  to  say  whether  Peter  here  draws  the  cha- 
racter of  a  mere  formal  professor,  or  of  one  who  has 
really  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,  and  has  awfully 
backslidden  :  be  it  which  it  may,  it  holds  forth  a  solemn 
lesson  of  instruction  to  our  souls.  We  may  hence  lay  it 
down  as  a  sacred  truth,  that  whatever  profession  a  man 
makes  of  faith  in  Christ,  justification  by  him,  and  hope 
of  salvation  through  him :  yet  if  he  is  destitute  of  the 
graces  of  the  Spirit  and  the  fruits  of  righteousness  in 
his  life,  he  is  blind  to  the  glorious  end  of  the  Gospel  of 
peace,  and  is  a  stranger  to  the  purifying  grace  and  par- 
doninsr  love  of  Christ  to  his  soul.  Think  of  this.  Par- 
doning  love,  purifying  grace,  and  sanctifying  influences 
are  inseparable.  Where  there  is  the  root  of  grace,  there 
will  be  the  fruits /)f  righteousness  :  this  is  as  natural  as 
for  any  cause  to  produce  its  effects.     , 

But  may  not  these  words  be  applied  to  some  who  we 
have  good  reason  to  hope  are  the  children  of  God,  but 
are  sadly  backslidden  from  him  1  Do  we  not  see  awful 
instances  around  us  1  He  who  lacketh  these  things,  viz. 
"  virtue,  knowledge,  temperance,  godliness,"  &c.  (not 
totally,  for  there  may  be  a  partial  lack  of  them)  has 
sadly  departed  from  the   steadfastness  of  faith,  and  that 


NOVEMBER  27.  481 

degree  of  spiritual  life  he  once  had ;  has  left  his  first 
love,  and  has  lost  the  sweet  savor  of  Christ  from  his 
heart :  hence  there  is  a  lack,  in  not  abounding  in  these 
things.  There  may  be  true  faith,  and  yet  somewhat 
lacking  in  it.  1  Thess.  3 :  10.  But  such  a  soul  is  in 
sorrow,  concern,  and  distress  about  it :  so  the  life  of 
grace  manifests  that  it  is  not  quite  extinct. 

Again,  he  is  blind.  Not  entirely  so,  for  he  may  see, 
but  not  far  off:  he  only  sees  himself  and  his  own  mise- 
ry and  unprofitableness  :  this  causes  him  to  weep  and 
bewail  himself.  But  he  cannot  see,  he  does  not  enjoy 
the  love  of  Christ  and  the  sweet  peace  of  God :  his 
sight  is  dimmed  and  his  comforts  marred.  He  "  has 
forgotten  that  he  was  purged  from  his  old  sins:"  he  has 
lost  the  sense  of  pardon  in  the  blood  of  Christ :  though 
he  remembers  there  is  such  a  thing,  yet  he  has  lost  the 
comfort  of  it  ;  it  is  to  him  as  though  it  had  never  been. 
Satan  has  obtained  the  advantage*  So  false  prophets 
seek  "  to  cause  my  people  to  forget  my  name,  saith  the 
Lord."  Jer.  23 :  27.  That  is,  the  pardon  and  comfort 
of  his  name.  Is  not  this  an  awful  state  %  0  how  much 
to  be  deplored!  how  greatly  to  be  deprecated! 


Nov.  27. — So  an  entrance  shall  be  ministered  luito  you  abun- 
dantly^ into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
2  Peter,  1  :  11. 

Our  last  meditation  was  gloom  and  sadness  :  here  the 
sun  of  comfort  arises  and  sheds  splendor,  glory  and  joy 
upon  us.  O  that  we  may  now  enter  by  faith  into  the  joy 
of  our  Lord.  Come,  christian,  it  seems  you  and  I  must 
tarry  a  little  longer  on  earth,  absent  from  our  Lord. 
How  shall  we  employ  ourselves  %  In  studying  the  word 
of  his  grace  ;  in  being  diligent  in  the  use  of  means  ;  in 
exercising  ourselves  unto  godliness.  What  then  \  O 
blessed  assurance  !     So  an  entrance  shall  be  ministered 

p.  Treasury.  qi 


482  NOVEMBER  28.      . 

unto  us  ahu7ida7iUy.    When  %    Both  in  life  and  in  death. 

In  life.  We  shall  find  a  free  and  open  door  into  the 
kingdom  of  Christ's  grace,  love,  and  peace  even  now  : 
we  shall  have  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  "  the  peace  of 
God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,"  in  our  hearts. 
Thus  shall  we  sweetly  and  swiftly  pass  the  voyage  of 
life.  All  is  enjoyed  in  being  diligent  in  the  ways  of 
Christ.  Soul,  thus  press  on,  let  who  will  say  it  is  legal. 
What  !  legal  to  live  and  labor  in  the  kingdom  of  love  1 
Say,  deluded  objector,  did  you  ever  expect  to  enter  your 
Lord's  kingdom  any  other  way  than  by  Christ,  who  is 
the  dooi'  ?  Do  you  expect  to  enjoy  the  comfort  of  his 
love  and  the  assurance  of  his  favor  in  a  walk  and  way 
contrary  to  his  word  and  will  1  Are  we  not  to  walk  in 
Christ,  abounding  in  the  work  of  faith,  the  patience  of 
hope,  and  the  labor  of  love  1  Diligence  of  soul  to  enjoy 
his  presence,  and  to  be  conformed  to  his  image,  is  our 
delight  below.  To  have  every  holy  temper  and  heavenly 
disposition  from  Christ,  puts  the  soul  into  a  right  frame 
to  enjoy  him :  this  is  to  have  a  constant  and  an  abun- 
dant entrance  ministered  to  us  into  the  kingdom  of 
Christ.  So  living  and  abiding  in  his  kingdom  of  grace 
and  love,  our  souls  become  dead  to  the  kingdom  of  this 
world. 

We  rejoice  also  to  think  of  an  entrance  into  Christ's 
kingdom  being  abundantly  administered  to  us  at  death. 
Fellowship  with  Christ,  and  diligence  in  his  ways,  makes 
us  think  of  death  with  pleasure,  and  familiarizes  it  to 
our  minds.  By  faith  we  see  heaven  open  to  admit  us, 
God  our  Father  with  open  arms  to  embrace  us,  Christ 
to  welcome  us,  and  the  Spirit  to  enable  us  to  sing  vic- 
tory in  death. 


Nov.  2S.— Death  is  yours.     1  Cor.  3  :  22. 
'^  0  Death,  how  bitter  is  the  thought  of  thee  to  a  man 
who  is  at  rest  in  his  possessions;  to  the  man  who  has 


NOVEMBER  28.  483 

nothing  to  vex  him ;  and  who  has  prosperity  in  all 
things  !"  "  O  death,  how  sweet  is  the  remembrance  of 
thee  to  a  man  who  is  alive  to  God,  dead  to  the  world : 
who  longs  to  be  absent  from  the  body  and  present  with 
the  Lord  :  to  see  the  glory  of  Jesus,  and  to  reign  eter- 
nally with  him  !"  Christian,  here  is  a  precious  legacy 
left  thee  by  the  Lord  :  a  covenant-gift  from  the  God  of 
thy  salvation  :  "  Death  is  yours."  He  is  your  conquered 
enemy  ;  your  faithful  friend. 

He  is  your  conquered  enemy  ;  you  need  not  fear  him ; 
he  has  neither  strength  nor  sting.  Christ,  the  victorious 
Captain  of  your  salvation,  has  disarmed  him  of  both  ; 
he  can  neither  destroy  nor  wound  your  soul :  yea,  "  he 
hath  abolished  death."  2  Tim.  1  :  10.  There  is  no  sub- 
stance in  him ;  he  is  changed  into  a  shadow.  It  is  not 
the  enemy  death  which  seizes  a  believer,  but  the  sha- 
dow, or  emblem  of  it,  sleep.  Weary  soul,  tired  out  with 
the  burden  of  sin,  corruptions,  afflictions,  accusations, 
temptations — is  sleep  an  enemy  to  you  1  Do  you  dread 
sleep  1  Are  you  afraid  of  rest  1  What  ]  fear  to  fall 
asleep  in  Jesus,  to  awake  in  his  presence,  to  be  satisfied 
with  perfect  likeness  to  him,  and  eternally  to  enjoy  him  ! 
'*  O  fools,  and  slow  of  heart  to  believe  "  the  victory  of 
Christ  over  death !  And  thou,  too,  0  my  soul,  take  the 
rebuke  to  thyself,  and  be  ashamed  of  thy  folly. 

"  But  I  am  not  afraid  of  death,  but  of  dying  !"  Why  1 
Are  you  afraid  of  sleeping  %  But  ^'  0  !  the  insupportable 
pains  of  the  body  in  that  hour !"  Who  told  you  they 
are  insupportable  \  How  many  have  sweetly  sung  vic- 
tory in  deaihl  O,  says  one,  Is  this  dying  1  it  is  sweet, 
it  is  pleasant :  "  Though  I  pass  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  thou  shalt  be  with  me."  That  is  the 
claim  of  faith,  upon  the  warrant  of  the  Lord  :  "  When 
thou  passest  through  the  waters  I  will  be  with  thee." 
Isa.  43  :  2.  The  presence  of  the  Saviour  will  beguile 
thy  pains  and  fill  thy  soul  with  comfort.    For, 


48^  NOVEMBER  29. 

Death  is  thy  faithful  friend.  Hast  thou  not  found  sleep 
so  to  thy  weary  body  1  Thus  shall  death  be  to  thy  wea- 
ry soul :  it  will  at  once  deliver  thee  from  all  thy  burdens 
and  sorrows,  and  introduce  thee  into  joys  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory.  Death  is  that  and  no  more  to  the  soul, 
than  God  calls  it  in  his  word,  and  faith  makes  it  to  the 
heart.  If  you  really  and  truly  believe  that  death  is  swal- 
lowed up  in  the  victory  of  Christ :  if  you  firmly  believe 
that  his  precious  blood  has  atoned  for  sin  and  his  righ- 
teous life  has  fulfilled  the  laWy  you  may  undauntedly 
sing,  "  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  1  O  grave,  where  is 
thy  victory  V 


Nov.  29. — We  lelievcj  and  are  sure.    John,  6 :  6&. 

Here  is  both  faith  and  assurance.  ^^  O  that  I  had 
them,"  is  the  language  of  many  a  doubting  heart,  while 
both  this  very  faith  and  assurance  are  in  possession. 
This  assurance  is  essential  to  faith  f  without  it  faith  has 
no  existence.  Consider  the  nature  of  this  faith  and  as- 
surance :  "  We  believe^  and  are  sure.''''  Of  whatl  That 
their  names  were  written  in  heaven  j  that  thejr  were  the 
elect  of  Godl  No:  but  says  Peter  to  our  Lord,  "We 
believe  and  are  sure,  that  thou  art  Christ  the  Son  of  the 
living  God,  and  that  thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal 
life."  Their  minds  were  as  sure  of  this  truth  as  of  their 
existence  ;  so  must  ours  be  at  all  times,  and  in  all  cir- 
cumstances. 

"  But  is  this  faith  and  assurance  1  Then,  blessed  be 
God,  I  am  a  partaker  of  both  :  I  do  believe,  I  am  sure 
that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God,  and  that  he,  and  he  alone 
has  the  words  of  eternal  life  ;  but  T  want  to  be  sure  of 
my  own  interest  in  the  Son  of  God."  Bless  the  Spirit 
for  revealing  Christ  in  the  word,  and  revealing  him  in 
thine  heart  according  to  the  word.  Go  on  with  thy  pre- 
sent blessed  faith  and  assurance.    It  will  make  Christ 


NOVEMBER  30,  485 

precious  to  thy  soul :  it  will  cause  thy  soul  to  cleave  to 
him  :  thou  wilt  say,  "  None  but  Christ."  In  due  time 
the  Spirit  will  fully  manifest  thy  interest  in  his  love  and 
salvation. 

Consider  the  blessed?iess  of  this  faith  and  assurance : 
it  was  for  want  of  this  that  "  many  disciples  went  back 
and  w'alked  no  more  with  Christ."  John,  6  :  66.  It  is 
believing  and  being  sure  that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God, 
and  that  he  has  the  words  of  eternal  life,  that  causes 
any  poor  sinner  to  follow  him,  to  cleave  to  him,  to  call 
upon  him,  to  hope  in  him,  and  to  expect  all  salvation 
from  him.  Little  as  some  may  think  of  this  faith,  low 
as  some  may  rate  this  assurance,  yet  our  Lord  honors 
it :  he  pronounces  Peter  blessed  for  it,  Peter  does  not 
say,  I  believe  and  am  sure  that  I  am  a  child  of  God, 
and  that  my  sins  are  forgiven  ;  but,  ^'  Thou  art  Christy 
the  Son  of  the  living  God,^''  What  says  our  Lord  to 
this  %  "  Blessed  art  thou  :  for  flesh  and  blood  hath  not 
revfialpd  this  unto  thee,  but  my  Father  which  is  in 
heaven."    Matthew,   16  :  17. 

Rejoice,  O  believing  soul !  thou  hast  a  revelation, 
from  God  thy  heavenly  Father,  even  whilst  thou  art 
doubting.  All  thy  salvation  depends  on  this  truth ;  all 
thy  comfort  results  from  belief  and  assurance  of  it.  The 
more  steadily  and  confidently  you  believe  and  hold  this 
truth  in  your  conscience,  the  more  solid  peace,  holy- 
comfort,  and  heavenly  joy. 


Nov.  30. — Therefore  I  ivill  look  unto  the  Lord;  I  will  wait 
for  the  God  ef  rny  salvation  ;  my  God  will  hear  me.  Micah, 

7:7. 

Here  i«  a  soul  crying  out  of  the  very  worst  of  foes : 
*^  A  man's  enemies  are  the  men  of  his  own  house."  Un- 
der such  experience,  behold  and  imitate  the  conduct  be- 


486  NOVEMBER  30. 

fore  us.  Here  are  two  acts  of  the  mind,  and  the  cry  of 
faith. 

"  I  will  look."  The  Lord  is  the  object  looked  to. 
Blessed  be  the  Spirit,  he  opens  our  eyes  to  see  him,  and 
our  hearts  to  believe  his  love  to  us  and  care  for  us  :  theu 
we  know  the  voice  of  Christ  and  obey  it.  He  says, 
*'  Look  unto  me^  and  be  ye  saved."  Isa.  45  :  22.  When- 
ever distressed  with  enemies  from  Avithin  or  without, 
sin,  Satan,  or  the  world,  here  is  our  warrant,  to  look  unto 
the  Lord.  He  assures  us  of  salvation  from  them.  We 
shall  find  and  feel  these  enemies  to  the  end  of  life. 
Therefore,  looking  unto  the  Lord  is  to  be  the  constant 
work  of  life.  O  the  special  mercy  to  have  such  a  Lord 
to  look  to  !  Shame  to  us  that  we  look  no  more  to  him: 
happy  for  us  when  we  look  to  him  only.  We  are  sure 
of  comfort  fro'm  him,  and  safety  by  him,  from  all  the 
power,  malice  and  fraud  of  every  enemy. 

But  I  see  enemies  beset  me  :  I  am  not  saved  from 
them  :  I  grow  impatient  ;  unbelief  prevails  :  doubts  and 
fears  arise.  Here  is  the  remedy  :  "  I  will  wait  for  the 
God  of  my  salvation."  Time  will  prove  God's  truth, 
Satan's  lying  suggestions,  and  the  groundless  suspicions 
of  my  own  heart.  "  He  who  believeth  shall  not  make 
haste."  Isa.  28 :  16.  It  is  "  the  God  of  my  salvation" 
I  wait  upon,  and  wait  for  :  "  My  times  are  in  his  hands." 
Psalm  31  :  15.  Every  promise  has  its  season  for  accom- 
plishment, every  providence  its  hour,  every  vision  its 
appointed  time.  O,  this  waiting  faith  honors  the  Lord's 
word  greatly  :  it  has  the  Lord's  word  for  its  support. 
The  Lord  honors  it.  Behold  his  absolute,  precious 
promise  to  it :  "  They  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  re- 
new their  strength."  Isa.  40  :  31. 

But  this  was  not  silent  looking  and  dumb  waiting. 
Here  is  the  cry  of  faith  :  ''  My  God  will  hear  me."  O 
the  preciousness  of  faith  !  It  claims  the  Lord,  and  makes 
a  special  appropriation  of  him  :  My  God,  vile  and  sinful 


DECEMBER  1.  487 

as  I  am ;  wretched  and  miserable  as  sin  has  made  me  ; 
however  beset  and  distressed  by  foes  within  and  ene- 
mies without,  yet,  O  my  soul,  thou  hast  a  covenant  God 
in  Christ  to  look  to,  wait  for,  and  call  upon :  he  will 
hear  me,  I  am  sure  of  it  j  for  he  put  it  into  my  heart  to 
cry  to  him. 


tiecetnberi 


Dec.  1. — The  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat  and  drink,  hut  righ- 
teousness, and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Rom.  14  :  17. 

How  much  did  our  dear  Saviour  bear,^vhat  pains  did 
he  take  with  his  first  disciples  to  teach  them  the  nature 
of  his  kingdom  !  Their  notions  were  carnal  and  world- 
ly :  his  kingdom  spiritual  ^nd  heavenly.  We  are  just 
like  them.  Blessed  be  his  name,  the  Lord  is  the  same 
in  patience  and  love  to  teach  us  also.  There  ever  was, 
now  is,  and  ever  will  be  a  cry,  Lo,  here  is  Christ  with 
us:  lo,  there  is  the  kingdom  of  God :  it  consists  in  this 
external  mode,  that  outward  rite,  ceremony  or  institu- 
tion. But  what  says  our  Lord  1  Behold^  take  special 
notice,  "  The  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you."  Luke, 
17:21.  It  consists  in  nothing  carnal  nor  external.  Its 
blessings  are  inward,  spiritual,  and  substantial :  "  righ- 
teousness, peace  and  joy." 

Righteousness.  Glory  to  Christ,  he  restores  righ- 
teousness to  us  ;  he  gives  us  a  better  righteousness  than 
that  we  lost:  we  lost  but  a  creature's  righteousness; 
we  gain  the  righteousness  of  God's  only  Son  ;  the  righ- 
teousness of  God  and  man  in  one  Mediator.  Satan 
ruined  us  by  sin,  Christ  saves  us  by  his  righteousness. 
The  kingdom   of  God   is  established  in  righteousness 


488  DECEMBER  2. 

upon  the  ruins  of  sin  and  Satan :  the  subjects  of  this 
kingdom  are  all  righteous.  Isa.  60:21.  As  we  possess 
this  kingdom  in  our  hearts  by  faith,  so  Christ's  righ- 
teousness is  called  the  righteousness  of  faith  ;  for  we  re- 
ceive it  by  faith  :  we  do  not  work  it  out,  it  is  "the  gift 
of  righteousness."  Rom.  5  :  17.  O  how  gloriously  are 
our  souls  arrayed  in  the  righteousness  of  the  King  of 
saints.  Let  us  glory  of  this  righteousness  only  ;  for  the 
more  we  believe  it  in  our  hearts,  the  more  we  live  in 
the  spirit  and  temper  of  righteousness  in  our  lives. 

Peace.  We  were  once  at  peace  with  the  world,  the 
flesh  and  the  devil,  and  at  war  with  God  ;  now  that  we 
are  in  his  righteous  kingdom  and  righteous  in  his  Son  ; 
vre  are  at  peace  with  God  and  at  war  with  them:  the 
effect  of  this  righteousness  is  peace  and  "quietness,  and 
assurance  for  #ver."  Isa.  32  :  17. 

Joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Being  righteous  in  Jesus  and  at 
peace  with  God,  the  Holy  Ghost  gives  us  the  joy  of  this  ; 
he  teaches  us  to  joy  in  all  Christ  is  to  us  and  has  done 
for  us ;  yea,  "  he  fills  us  wfth  all  joy  and  peace  ill  be- 
lieving.''^ Rom.  15  :  13.  "  Wherefore,  we  receiving  a 
kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have  grace 
whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably,  with  reverence 
and  godly  fear."  Heb.  12 :  28. 


Dec.  2. —  Theji  said  one  unto  him,  Lord,  are  there  few  that  be 
saved  ?  Luke,  13  :  23. 

Peter's  fervent  prayer,  "  Lord,  save  or  I  perish,"  was 
much  better  than  this  curious  question  :  it  was  an  un- 
profitable one.  Suppose  our  Lord  had  given  a  direct 
answer  to  it,  and  told  the  inquirer  how  many  will  be 
saved,  what  good  would  he  have  gained  by  it  I 

Learn  hence,  that  unprofitable  questions  are  to  be 
avoided  ;  they  proceed  from  a  vain  curiosity.  Indulge 
no  thoughts  above,  beyond,  or  contrary  to  what  is  writ- 


DECEMBER  2.  489 

ten:  they  may  amuse  and  perplex,  but  cannot  edify  thy 
soul.  Observe  also  the  wisdom  of  thy  Lord  :  he  does 
not  give  a  direct  answer  to  this  vain  question,  but  im- 
proves it  for  general  usefulness,  as  though  he  had  said, 
''  Friend,  thy  question  is  impertinent ;  thou  art  prying 
into  a  matter  that  concerns  thee  not ;  thou  hast  a  notion 
of  salvation  in  thy  head,  and  hast  put  a  curious  question 
with  thy  tongue,  but  thy  heart  is  unconcerned  about 
thy  own  salvation  5  rather  than  answer  this  question  I 
will  improve  it  to  general  use,  '  Strive  to  enter  in  cd  ike 
strait  gate'' " 

Disciple,  here  is  an  admirable  lesson  for  thee  and  me. 
Let  us  learn  to  improve  every  curious  question  for  god- 
ly edification ;  nice  and  subtle  distinctions  for  practical 
and  experimental  conversation.  You  can  scarcely  begin 
to  speak  of  the  grace  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  Christ 
to  poor  blind  sinners,  but  they  wdll  seek  to  divert  atten- 
tion from  the  subject  by  some  question  as  to  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Gospel.  I  am  persuaded  it  is  best  to  fol- 
low our  Lord's  conduct :  give  no  answer  to  the  ques- 
tion ;  set  forth  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin,  the  de- 
plorable state  of  sinners,  the  absolute  necessity  of  a  Sa- 
viour, the  matchless  glory  of  his  person,  the  riches  of 
his  \ove^  the  fulness  of  his  salvation,  and  the  need  we 
have  of  faith  in  him,  to  be  clothed  in  his  righteousness, 
justified  before  God,  and  eternally  saved  by  him  :  this, 
this  is  the  way  to  instruct  poor  sinners'  minds,  and  to 
warm  and  enliven  our  own  souls.  Dry  disquisitions  pro- 
mote jar  and  discord.  Let  Jesus,  ^'  the  strait  gate,"  be  in 
our  view.  '^  Let  us  consider  the  end  of  our  conversation, 
Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever.'^ 
Heb.  13  :  7,  8.  Let  us  look  to  him  every  day  and  every 
hour,  to  save  us  from  the  deceitful  pride  of  our  hearts, 
the  abominable  wickedness  of  our  nature,  and  from  all 
the  lusts  which  war  against  our  souls, 

21* 


490  DECEMBER  3. 

Dec.  2.— And  Israel  said,  It  is  enough.    Gen.  45:  28. 

His  soul  seems  fully  satisfied  with  the  Lord's  deal- 
ings and  dispensations :  he  could  ask  no  more  :  there 
was  a  perfect  calm  in  his  mind  :  he  sings  a  sweet  re- 
quiem, like  David,  when  he  said,  "  Return  unto  thy  rest, 
O  my  soul,  for  the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with 
thee.  For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  death,  mine 
eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet  from  falling.  I  will  walk 
before  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living."  Psalm 
116  :  7-9.  Most  precious  resolution,  awakened  by  such 
great  bounties  ! 

Come,  christian,  canst  thou  now  say  with  the  hoary- 
headed  patriarch,  '^  It  is  enough  ?"  What  could  God 
have  done  for  me,  which  he  hath  not  done  %  Could  the 
tidings  sounded  in  the  ears  of  Jacob,  "Joseph  is  yet 
alive,"  cause  a  transport  of  joy  too  impetuous  to  be  re- 
sisted !  How  should  the  blessed  tidings,  Je5l^5  is  yet  alive, 
transport  thy  soul !  Was  Joseph  governor  over  all  the 
land  of  Egypt  \  The  government  is  upon  the  shoulders 
of  your  Redeemer.  Isaiah,  9  :  6.  All  power  in  heaven 
and  earth  is  committed  to  him.  Matt.  28  :  18.  He  saith, 
"  I  am  he  that  liveth,  and  was  dead ;  and  behold,  I  am 
alive  for  evermore.  Amen  :  and  have  the  keys  of  hell 
and  of  death."  Rev.  1  :  18.  Is  not  here  cause  for  thee 
to  cry  out,  '^  It  is  enough :  I  can  desire  no  more. 
Surely  this  is  sufficient  to  cause  thy  dejected  spirit  to 
revive. 

Did  Jacob  believe  when  he  saw  the  presents  of  his 
son  1  Did  he  say,  "  I  will  go  and  see  \\\m  before  I  die  1" 
O  christian,  is  thy  Saviour  ascended  into  his  kingdom  1 
Has  he  "  received  gifts "  for  thee,  and  poured  down 
love-tokens  upon  thee  1  Has  he  given  thee  repentance 
to  turn  to  him,  and  faith  to  embrace  him  1  What  is  thy 
language  \  It  is  enough :  Jesus  ever  lives,  eternally 
loves,  incessantly  prays.  Then  I  shall  surely  see  him — 
but  not  before  I  die  :  but  I  shall  soon  shake  off  this  mor- 


DECEMBER  4.  491 

tality,  and  sing  victory  in  death.  Then,  O  then  I  shall 
behold  him  eye  to  eye,  and  face  to  face.  Then  I  shall 
say  with  the  highest  rapture  of  soul,  "  It  is  enough." 
Then  death  shall  be  swallowed  up  of  life,  and  I  shall 
cast  down  my  crown  before  the  Lamb.  0  then  I  shall 
eternally  see  him,  "  whom  having  not  seen,  I  love  : 
in  whom,  though  now  I  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  I  re- 
joice with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory."  1  Peter, 
1 : 8.  0,  that  in  the  same  spirit  with  Paul  I  may  ever 
say,  "  Doubtless  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  ex- 
cellency of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord." 
Philippians,  3 :  8. 


..>0C.  4. — He  that  receiveth  me,  receiveth  him  that  sent  me. 
Matthew,  10  :  40. 

ft  is  very  natural  to  think,  "  If  the  Son  of  God  were 
now  upon  earth,  0  how  gladly  would  we  receive  him 
into  our  houses."  If  you  really  would,  you  now  cor- 
dially receive  the  report  of  him  into  your  heart  :  you 
now  welcome  it  by  faith  as  the  most  precious  truth  that 
ever  saluted  your  ears. 

What  is  it  to  receive  Christ  1  There  is  endless  per- 
plexity in  the  conscience  of  many  poor  sinners,  whether 
they  have  received  Christ,  when  they  received  him, 
what  it  is  to  receive  him,  how  they  received  him,  and 
whether  they  received  him  aright.  Satan  thus  gets  great 
advantage  over  many.  You  would  have  no  difficulty  to 
tell  whether  you  received  a  dear  friend,  how  your  heart 
stood  affected  towards  him,  and  what  reception  you 
gave  him.  How  is  it  between  Christ  and  your  soul  1  Do 
you  see  him,  believe  on  him,  and  trust  in  him  as  a  Sa- 
viour just  suited  to  your  ruined,  desperate,  hopeless 
stated  Bless  the  Holy  Spirit  for  this  ;  for  you  have  re- 
ceived Christ. 

Now  consider  the  blessedness  of  this.    You  have  also 


492  DECEMBER  5. 

received  Him  who  sent  Christ,  that  is,  God  the  Father  : 
he  gave  Christ  for  us  :  he  sent  Christ  to  us.  Therefore, 
God  is  now  your  loving  Father  in  Christ:  he  is  recon- 
ciled to  you  :  all  his  attributes  are  engaged  for  you  :  he 
declares,  "  I  will  be  merciful  to  your  unrighteousness: 
your  sins  and  your  iniquities  I  will  remember  no  more." 
Heb.  8:  12.  You  are  safe  from  the  curse  of  sin,  the 
condemnation  of  the  law,  and  the  power  of  Satan,  for 
your  Father's  right  hand  is  your  defence.  If  he  stretch 
it  forth  to  chastise  and  afflict  you,  it  is  all  in  love.  O 
the  joy  of  faith !     For, 

You  are  his  child  in  Christ.  Though  in  yourself  you 
are  sinful  and  miserable,  have  wicked  thoughts,  vile 
lusts,  and  the  workings  of  unbelief,  these  all  spring  from 
your  flesh,  in  which  dwells  no  good  thing ;  these  are 
common  to  all  the  children  of  God  :  therefore  think  it 
not  strange  that  you  are  made  to  groan  under  a  body 
of  sin  and  death  from  day  to-day ;  let  not  these  mar 
your  comfort,  nor  prevent  your  joy  of  being  accepted 
in  Christ.  You  ever  have  access  to  God,  and  may  come 
with  all  holy  boldness  before  him.    Ephesians,  3:  12. 


Dec.  5. — The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  ;  blessed 
he  the  7iame  of  the  Lord.  Job,  1  :  21. 

Meek  Moses,  righteous  Lot,  patient  Job,  were  as  wick- 
ed by  nature  as  any  sinners.  True,  they  were  eminent 
saints  ;  but  who  made  them  so  1  The  same  Saviour  who 
sanctifies  you  and  me.  "  Cease  ye  from  man  :"  look 
upon  the  most  holy  saint  as  a  sinner  in  himself,  but  only 
distinguished  by  the  grace  of  God.  When  grace  emi- 
nently shines  in  any  sinner,  remember  it  all  proceeds 
from  the  fulness  of  the  Saviour ;  look  to  him  for  grace 
for  yourself.  While  Job  suflers  the  loss  of  all,  yet  he 
glories  in  the  possession  of  all :  though  he  could  not  now 
say,  my  children,  my  possessions,  my  health,  yet  he  could 


DECEMBER  5.  493 

say/^My  Redeemer  liveth."  Job,  19:25.  The  belief 
of  this  sweetened  every  cross  ;  made  up  every  loss ; 
kept  his  head  from  sinking  in  the  deep  waters  of  afflic- 
tion, his  heart  from  fainting  under  the  greatest  tribula- 
tions, and  fortified  his  mind  with  the  greatest  patience 
under  the  severest  calamities  ;  he  saw  his  Lord  in  all, 
therefore  by  his  grace  he  submits  to  all. 

Job  is  here  set  before  us  as  most  eminent  for  his  pa- 
tience. To  what  endl  Doubtless  that  we  may  imitate 
him.  But  remember,  patience  is  a  gift  from  the  God  of 
all  grace.  View  the  saint,  but  look  to  the  King  of  saints 
to  be  like-minded.  "  The  Lord  gave."  Sweet  consider- 
ation !  Look  upon  ail  you  enjoy  as  the  free  gift  of  a 
covenant  God  ;  hold  the  Giver  fast,  but  hold  the  gifts 
with  a  trembling  hand.  Perhaps  ere  to-morrow's  sun 
you  nnay  be  constrained  to  say  of  some  of  your  sweet- 
est enjoyments,  ''  The  Lord  hath  taken  away."  Love 
saw  that  they  would  do  you  harm,  and  that  it  is  best  for 
you  to  be  without  them  ;  therefore  in  love  God  takes 
them  away.  Love  is  the  same  in  God  when  giving,  as 
when  taking  away  ;  therefore,  what  good  reason  have  we 
to  say  for  both,  ^'  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord !" 

Here  you  see  the  work  of  faith.  It  sees  the  Lord's 
name  written  upon  every  enjoyment ;  it  owns  the  Lord's 
right  to  give  or  take  away  ;  it  bows  to  the  Lord's  sove- 
reign will,  and  says.  Lord,  thou  doest  all  things  well ; 
though  what  thou  doest  I  cannot  now  know,  yet  I  shall 
know  hereafter  ;  I  am  sure  there  is  a  Father's  love  and 
wisdom  in  all :  O  that  all  may  be  sanctified  to  me,  and  I 
profited  by  all.  Thus,  as  faith  in  Christ  brings  us  to  the 
knowledge  of  God,  to  enjoy  peace  with  him,  so  it  teaches 
submission  to  his  will,  and  to  bless  his  name  at  all  times. 
Rejoice  in  the  Lord. 


494  DECEMBER  6. 

Dec.  6. — He  that  hath  received  his  testimony^  hath  set  to  his 
seal  that   God  is  true.   John,  3  :  33. 

Wherein  consists  the  essential  difference  between  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked  1  In  this  :  the  heart  of  the 
former  receives  the  testimony  of  Christ,  and  thereby 
honors  the  God  of  truth ;  the  latter  rejects  it,  and  there- 
by makes  God  a  liar."  1  John,  5 :  10.  No  marvel  then 
that  it  is  declared,  ''  He  that  believeth  not  the  Son,  shall 
not  see  life,  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  himj" 
John,  3 :  36  ;  and  that  "  God  is  angry  with  the  wicked 
every  day."  Psalm  7:  11.  They  live  in  this  daring,  pro- 
voking sin  of  unbelief  of  the  testimony  of  the  Son  of 
God.  This  is  the  greatest  sin  under  heaven.  O  the  long- 
suffering  of  God  toward  such  stout-hearted  rebels. 

Consider,  what  is  this  testimony  1  It  is  the  witness 
which  Christ  bears  to  the  children  of  men,  that  he  is 
the  Son  of  God  ;  that  he  came  forth  from  God  ;  that  he 
came  to  fulfil  the  law  of  God  ;  to  honor  the  justice  of 
God  ;  to  bring  glory  to  all  the  attributes  of  God,  by  sav- 
ing sinners  according  to  the  fruih  of  God. 

What  is  it  to  receive  this  testimony  1  Simply  to  cre- 
dit it ;  just  as  one  does  by  a  person  who  in  a  solemn 
manner  gives  a  plain  and  faithful  evidence  in  court  of 
what  he  knows  of  the  cause  on  trial.  Now  here  we 
see  what  a  simple  thing  faith  is;  it  is  no  other  than  re- 
ceiving Christ's  testimony  ;  believing  him  to  be  what  he 
declares  he  is,  the  Saviour  of  lost  sinners ;  righteous- 
ness to  us  who  have  none  of  our  own  ;  an  atonement  for 
sins  which  must  have  sunk  us  to  hell ;  redemption  from 
the  curse  of  the  law,  which  we  could  never  avert;  and 
the  hope  of  eternal  life,  which  we  have  forfeited.  Thus 
we  receive  the  testimony  of  Jesus  as  a  reprieve  for  con- 
demned malefactors,  an  act  of  grace  for  rebels,  tidings 
of  mercy  for  miserable  sinners.  But  alas!  how  do  we 
puzzle  our  heads  and  perplex  our  hearts  !  For,  instead 
of  blessing  Jesus  for  this  precious  testimony,  consider- 


DECEMBER  7.  495 

ing  its  suitableness,  and  deriving  our  comfort  from  it,  we 
set  ourselves  to  questioning  our  faith:  whether  we  have 
received  it  and  do  believe  aright.    This  is  our  folly. 

See  the  blessedness  of  receiving  this  testimony  :  ''  He 
hath  set  to  his  seal  that  God  is  true."  Or,  as  some  read 
it,  God  hath  sealed  him  (by  his  Spirit)  because  he  is  true. 
As  we  set  our  seal  to  God's  truth,  he  will  seal  our  hearts 
with  his  consolations.  We  cannot  honor  God  more,  nor 
please  him  better,  than  to  hear  and  believe  his  belov- 
ed Son. 


Dec.  7. — The  God  of  the  whole  earth  shall  he  he  called.  Isa.  54:  5. 
An  affectionate  wife  cannot  bear  to  hear  her  husband 
reproached.  The  Church,  consisting  of  all  true  believ- 
ers, is  '^  the  bride,  the  Lamb's  wife."  Rev.  21  :  9.  Her 
Redeemer  is  said  to  be  her  husband.  These  four  names 
are  given  to  him:  "  thy  Maker:  the  Lord  of  hosts:  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel:  the  God  of  the  whole  earth."  In 
view  of  these  Divine  appellations,  who  can  be  so  bold, 
so  reckless  or  wicked  as  to  deny  that  Jesus  Christ  is  truly 
and  essentially  Godl  Jealous  of  our  dear  Husband^s  ho- 
nor and  glory,  we  cannot  bear  to  hear  him  so  traduced 
and  blasphemed.  While  we  pity,  we  would  flee  from 
such,  and  take  shelter  under  the  wings  of  our  Redeemer, 
and  the  protection  of  our  Husband.  The  Godhead  dig- 
nity of  his  person  is  the  glory  of  our  souls.  The  humili- 
ty of  his  appearing  in  flesh  adds  charms  to  his  match- 
less beauty.  Though  he  is  our  Husband  in  our  nature, 
our  Redeemer  incarnate  ;  though  we  have  free  access  to 
him,  sweet  converse  with  him,  and  are  indulged  with 
holy  fellowship  by  him  as  man,  still  we  honor  and  adore 
him  as  "Me  God  of  the  whole  earth.''"'  A  poor  sinner  can 
never  get  near  God,  enjoy  him,  have  any  peace  with 
him  in  his  conscience,  or  comfort  from  him  in  his  soul, 
but  when  he  has  simple,  believing  views  by  faith  of  an 
incarnate  God— God  in  Christ  his  Redeemer. 


496  DECEMBER  8. 

Is  he  Thy  Maker  1  Then  give  him  the  glory  of  thy  ex- 
istence.  Is  he  the  Lord  of  hosts  1  Then  glory  in  him,  and 
rejoice,  for  thou  art  more  than  conqueror  over  all  the 
powers  of  darkness  and  the  hosts  of  hell,  through  him 
who  hath  loved  thee.  Is  he  the  Holy  One  of  Israeli 
Then  study  to  be  like  him,  pray  for  conformity  to  him, 
and  walk  in  holy  fellowship  with  him,  so  as  to  derive  all 
holiness  from  him.  Is  he  "  the  God  of  the  whole  earth  ?" 
Then  be  assured,  being  married  to  him,  and  redeemed 
by  him,  thou  shalt  want  nothing  which  his  infinite  wis- 
dom sees  best  to  give  :  for  his  everlasting  love  will  sup- 
ply all.  Live  daily  upon  the  fulness  of  thy  Husband^ 
and  the  grace  of  thy  Redeemer.  Behold  your  precious, 
gracious  charter  :  "  No  weapon  that  is  formed  against 
thee  shall  prosper,  and  every  tongue  that  shall  rise 
against  thee  in  judgment,  thou  shalt  condemn.  This  is 
the  heritage  of  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  and  their  righ- 
teousness is  of  me,  saith  the  Lord."  Isa.  54  :  17. 


Dec.  8. — Good  and  upright  is  the  Lord,  therefore  will  he  teach 
sinners  in  the  way.  Psalm  25 : 8. 
Here  are  two  most  opposite  characters  :  a  good  and 
upright  Lord — wicked  and  p^verse  sinners.  Good  and 
upright  as  the  Lord  is,  he  might  justly  give  sinners  up 
to  perdition  ;  but  no,  O  condescending  grace !  he  will 
not  leave  them  to  perish  in  their  ignorance  and  obsti- 
nacy :  he  will  teach  them.  It  is  said  of  one,  that  after 
his  conversion  he  could  scarcely  mention  the  name  of 
Jesus  without  a  tear.  0,  had  it  not  been  for  his  re- 
demption, no  sinner  would  have  had  divine  teaching ! 
But  all  whom  Christ  has  redeemed  by  his  blood,  the 
Spirit  teaches  by  his  power :  this  is  his  office  in  the  co- 
venant of  grace.  This  implies,  that  sinners  are  so  igno- 
rant of  divine  truth  that  no  teaching  besides  that  of  the 
Lord  the  Spirit  can  instruct  and  make  them  wise  unto 


DECEMBER  9.  497 

salvation.  Come,  sinner,  come  down  from  the  heights 
of  thy  fancied  wisdom  and  boasted  knowledge,  and 
learn  this  humbling  truth.  If  thou  seest  thy  own  igno- 
rance and  thy  want  of  Divine  teaching,  rejoice  at  this 
declaration.    Cry  to  the  Spirit,  Lord,  teach  me. 

He  will  teach.  Whom  1  Only  such  as  are  good  and 
upright  like  himself  \  No  ;  but  si?i7iers :  whose  carnal 
minds  are  enmity  against  his  holy  law,  who  are  "  sold 
under  sin,"  and  in  whose  "flesh  dwells  no  good  thing." 
Is  this  thy  character  1  The  Lord  will  teach  such — in 
the  way.  What  way  \  Not  in  the  way  of  sin,  that  is  con- 
trary to  his  holiness ;  not  in  the  way  of  self-righteous- 
ness, that  is  contrary  to  his  truth:  but  in  the  knowledge 
of  Christ,  who  is  the  Way,  the  way  of  access  to  God, 
acceptance  with  him,  justification  before  him,  and  ever- 
lasting life  as  the  free  gift  of  God,  according  to  the 
covenant-grace  and  everlasting  love  of  God. 

By  repentance  unto  life  in  this  way  of  peace,  in  this 

walk   of  faitli,    in   tliia    path    of  love,    truth    and    holinese, 

the  Spirit  will  teach  redeemed  sinners  on  earth,  till  he 
brings  them  to  glory :  his  teaching  shall  be  as  effectual 
to  their  glorification  as  the  death  of  Christ  for  their  sal- 
vation. Poor  sinner,  who,  like  me,  art  oft  distressed  and 
dejected  wdth  thy  wicked  nature,  take  comfort  from 
these  two  truths :  till  Satan  can  blot  them  out  of  God's 
book,  or  make  us  worse  than  sinners,  they  stand  on  re- 
cord for  our  comfort :  "  Christ  Jesus  came  to  save  siu' 
ners.^^  God  will  teach  sinners.  Look  then  to  the  finish- 
ed salvation  of  Jesus:  look  to  the  Spirit  to  teach  thee 
tlie  glory  of  it,  to  bear  witness  to  thy  soul  of  interest 
in  it,  and  to  fill  thee  with  joy  and  peace  by  it. 


Dec.  9. — Come  and  see.     John,  1  :  39. 

Thus  replies  the  Lamb  of  God  to  the   inquiry  where 
he  dwelt.     How  came  these  two  disciples  of  John  to 


498  DECEMBER  9. 

make  this  inquiry  1  John  had  pointed  them  from  him- 
scif  to  Jesus  with,  Behold  the  Lamh  of  God!  Just  as 
though  he  had  said,  "  Look  at  that  dear  man  :  take  spe- 
cial notice  of  him  :  he  has  a  world  of  sinners  to  save  : 
he  ^oved  them  from  all  eternity :  he  is  come,  an  inno- 
cent, meek  Lamb,  to  be  slain  as  a  sacrifice  for  them  ; 
and  his  precious  blood  taketh  away  all  their  sins.  You 
and  I  are  poor  miserable  sinners.  We  have  no  object  to 
look  to  but  that  Lamb.  Nothing  can  take  away  our  sins, 
nothing  can  bring  pardon  to  our  hearts,  peace  to  our 
consciencej  and  salvation  to  our  souls,  but  his  blood  : 
nothing  can  make  us  holy  and  happy  here  on  earth  but 
looking  to  and  living  upon  this  Lamb  of  God.''"'  They 
believed  this:  no  wonder  then  that  they  followed  Je- 
sus and  asked  him,  ''  Where  dwellest  thou  V  He  said, 
Come  and  see,  O  what  a  sweet,  free,  and  loving  invi- 
tation is  here ! 

Just    so   are  disciples  now  gathered  to  Jesus.     His 

miniatp.rs    preacK    of   Hinn.      Thoy  point    loct    einners    tO 

him:  they  tell  of  the  love  of  his  tender  heart,  the  vir- 
tue of  his  precious  blood,  and  the  lamb-like  meekness 
of  his  nature  to  receive  all  who  come  to  him :  hence 
dejected,  distressed  hearts  and  troubled  minds  hear, 
are  encouraged,  and  follow  him.  He  turns  and  sees, 
and  asks  them,  "  What  seek  ye  1"  They  ask  him, 
"Where  dwellest  thouV  Then  saith  Jesus,  Come  and 
see  Come  and  live  with  me,  upon  all  the  fulness  of 
grace  which  I  have  for  your  needy  souls.  Come  and  see 
all  the  fulness  of  my  salvation  for  your  ruined  souls  j 
the  full  atonement  my  blood  has  made  for  your  sins  ;  the 
glorious  righteousness  I  have  wrought  out  to  justify 
your  persons ;  the  peace  I  have  made  on  the  cross  for 
you.  Come  and  see  that  this  is  effectually  and  for  ever 
done,  and  is  fully  to  be  enjoyed  by  faith. 

Hence  learn  that  there  cannot  an  inquiry  arise  in  a 
poor  sinner's  mind  concerning  Christ,  but  he  has  a  meek 


DECEMBER  10.  499 

and  tender  answer  to  give.  He  has  compassion  on  the 
ignorant  and  them  who  are  out  of  the  way.  Do  we  in- 
quire where  Christ  dwells  1  He  answers,  Come  and 
see,  I,  the  high  and  lofty  One  who  inhabit  eternity, 
dwell  also  in  your  nature  :  I  became  flesh  for  you, 
that  you  may  freely  come  to  me,  joyfully  see,  and 
richly  partake  of  my  fulness  to  supply  all  your  wants 
and  all  your  need.  Here  is  a  free  invitation.  You  have 
nothing  to  bring.  Come,  see  and  enjoy  all  freely,  'Svith- 
out  money  and  without  price."  Jesus  will  soon  say  to 
you  and  me,  Come  and  see  all  the  glory  of  my  kingdom 
above.  Glory  be  to  thee,  0  Lord. 


Dec.  10. — Behold  my  servant,  whoin  I  uphold ;  mine  elect,  in 
whom  my  soul  delighteth.  Isa.  42  : 1. 

Angels  reproved  disciples  of  old  with,  "Why  stand 
ye  gazing  up  to  heaven  V  Acts,  1:11.  How  much  do 
we  deserve  this  reproof.  Why  stand  ye  gazing  upon  the 
vanities  of  the  earth  \  Soul,  at  what  art  thou  looking  1 
What  is  the  present  object  of  thy  attention  1  Be  it 
what  it  may,  God  calleth  to  thee,  and  demands  audi- 
ence and  attention.  It  is  for  your  comfort  and  his  glo- 
ry. The  Majesty  of  heaven  speaks  to  sinful  worms  of 
the  earth. 

Behold  ;  take  oft"  your  eyes  and  thoughts  from  every 
object :  be  all  eye,  ear  and  attention  to  me.  Ye  poor, 
miserable,  condemned  souls,  behold  my  Servant.  Won- 
der, adore,  rejoice  and  love.  My  beloved,  my  co-equal 
Son,  who  is  Lord  of  all,  becomes  man,  takes  on  him  the 
form  of  a  servant  to  do  my  will  perfectly,  and  to  finish 
your  salvation  completely. 

Whom  I  uphold :  carnal  reason,  bow :  pride,  avaunt : 
high  thoughts,  submit  to  faith's  mysterJ^  Christ,  as 
perfect  man,  was  too  weak  to  sustain  the  load  of  a  world 
of  sin,  and  to  support  the  suffering  of  divine  wrath,  in 


500  DECEMBER  11. 

atoning  for  sin  and  satisfying  divine  justice  :  therefore 
all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwelt  in  him  to  uphold 
his  manhood.  0  sinners,  in  your  precious  Saviour  be- 
hold the  man  :  adore  the  God. 

Mine  elect,  Christ  was  chosen  to  the  office  of  God's 
servant  and  our  Saviour ;  chosen  in  the  eternal  counsel, 
before  time,  to  assume  human  nature  in  the  fulness  of 
time.  In  whom  ?ny  soul  delig/iletk.  Says  St.  John,  "  We 
know  that  we  are  of  God."  1  John,  5  :  19.  Howl  By 
this  sure  mark,  this  infallible  evidence,  v»'e  are  of  one 
mind  with  God.  Doth  God's  soul  delight  in  the  person 
and  work  of  his  beloved  Son  :  so  doth  ours.  Is  God's 
soul  delighted  that  Christ  hath  satisfied  his  justice,  mag- 
nified and  made  honorable  his  law,  and  finished  salvation 
for  miserable  sinners  1  So  is  ours.  Then  as  surely  as 
our  souls  delight  in  Christ,  the  Lord's  soul  delights  in  us. 
We  are  called  Hephzibah,  that  is,  the  Lord's  pleasure  is 
in  thee.  Thou  art  married  to  him.  His  soul  delighteth 
over  thee.  Isa.  62:4.  He  hath  given  his  Spirit  to  thee  : 
for,  says  Christ,  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  my  love,  my 
atonement,  my  redemption,  my  righteousness,  my  sal- 
vation, my  resurrection,  ascension  and  intercession,  and 
shall  show  it  unto  you.  Thus  ye  shall  glorify  me  in 
your  eyes  and  in  your  hearts.  John,  16  :  14. 


Dec.  11. — Bi/  faith  (he  walls  of  Jericho  fell  down.    Heb.  11 :  30. 

To  see  Joshua  and  his  army,  with  seven  priests  blow- 
ing ram's  horns,  marching  round  Jericho  once  every 
day,  and  on  the  seventh  day  seven  times,  what  could  the 
men  of  Jericho  think  \  Doubtless  that  it  was  the  foolish 
parade  of  a  set  of  weak-headed  men.  Had  they  told 
them,  behold,  on  the  seventh  day's  blowing  of  the  ram's 
horns,  the  strong  walls  of  your  cily  shall  fall  down  at 
our  shouting,  without  any  human  power,  they  would 
have  lauofhed  them  to  scorn  as  a  set  of  dieaminsf  enthu- 


DECEMBER  11.  501 

siasts.  The  obedience  of  faith  is  the  scorn  and  ridicule 
of  carnal  nnen.  What  of  that  \  Our  Lord  was  pleased 
with  it.  They  had  his  word  for  their  warrant  ;  they  be- 
lieved his  word  j  they  did  as  he  commanded  5  the  event 
was  as  he  promised  :  the  Lord  soon  made  it  manifest 
who  were  the  fools  and  madmen. 

But  why  is  it  said,  ^^  By  fail h  the  walls  of  Jericho  fell 
down  V  Was  not  this  effected  by  the  power  of  God  ] 
Yes,  but  it  was  according  to  the  faith  of  the  Israelites, 
and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  which  was  the  ground 
of  their  faith.  Divine  faith  and  divine  truth  are  insepa- 
rable. So  it  is  said,  ''by  faith"  we  are  "justified,"  and 
"have  peace  with  God."  Rom.  5:1.  Yet  "it  is  God 
who  justifieth."  Rom.  8  :  33.  Faith  no  more  procures 
justification  than  the  Israelites  threw  down  the  w-alls 
of  Jericho  !  The  righteousness  of  Christ  solely  obtains 
this  for  us.  But  as  they  did,  so  we  do  by  faith  shout, 
Christ  and  salvation.  All  opposition  from  sin  and 
Satan  fall  before  us  ;  we  see  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
open  to  us. 

Here^  was  the  obedience  of  faith.  Though  to  carnal 
sense  and  reason  the  means  commanded  were  even 
ridiculous,  yet  they  obeyed.  Study  the  Lord's  word  ; 
obey  his  will ;  attend  his  ordinances  5  look  to  the  Lord 
for  the  promised  blessing. 

Here  was  the  paiience  of  faith.  They  encompassed 
the  city  seven  days,  and  repeated  their  work.  O  chris- 
tian, be  not  weary  ;  hold  on  and  hold  out  till  the  seventh 
day,  the  Sabbath  of  thy  eternal  rest,  comes.  Says  Bishop 
Hall,  "A  good  heart  groans  under  his  infirmities  :  fain 
would  he  be  rid  of  them  ;  he  strives  and  prays  ;  but  when 
he  hath  done  all,  until  the  end  of  the  seventh  day,  it 
cannot  be."  At  God's  time  the  walls  fell :  not  one  mo- 
ment sooner.  His  word  cannot  fail.  So,  believer,  at 
God's  appointed  time  (you  are  immortal  till  then)  shall 
your  body,  the  prison-walls  of  your  soul,  fall.     O,  then 


502  DECEMBER  12. 

faith  may  shout,  "  There  remaineth  a  rest  for  the  people 
of  God."  Heb.  4  :  9. 


Dec.  12. — He  received  from  God  the  Father  honor  and  glory, 
when  there  came  such  a  voice  to  him  from  the  excellent  glory, 
This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  ivhom  I  am  well  pleased.  2  Pe- 
ter, 1  :  17. 

These  Avords  furnish  us  matter  for  sweet  medita- 
tion. Spirit  of  truth,  help  us  to  see  the  honor  and 
glory  of  the  Father  and  Son  in  them,  and  to  gain  com- 
fort from  them. 

Here  is  a  silencing  answer  to  that  objection,  you  rob 
God  the  Father  of  his  honor  and  glory  by  ascribing  so 
much  to  Christ.  Have  you  never  felt  this  temptation  1 
It  comes  from  the  enemy  of  God  and  sinners.  Our  faith 
puts  all  the  honor  and  glory  of  our  salvation  upon  God's 
beloved  Son  :  there  God  himself  places  it :  in  his  be- 
loved Son  God  is  well  pleased,  and  with  us  also  in  him. 
Here  see  the  nature  of  faith :  it  causes  the  soul  both  to 
imitate  and  obey  God,  and  to  be  well  pleased  with  Him 
in  whom  God  is  well  pleased — the  beloved  Son  of  God. 

Though  to  the  eye  of  nature  Jesus  appeared  as  a 
mere  man,  in  abject  poverty  and  lowest  abasement ',  yet 
the  Father  gives  him  the  highest  honor  and  glory,  be- 
cause he  magnified  his  holy  law  and  made  it  honorable  ; 
satisfied  his  divine  justice,  and  brought  everlasting  honor 
and  glory  to  every  attribute  and  perfection  of  his  na- 
ture. So  that  now,  ''God  is  just,  and  the  justifier  of 
sinners  who  believe  in  Jesus."  Then  under  a  sight  and 
sense  of  your  ruined  nature,  innumerable  sins,  and 
dreadful  apostacies  from  God,  put  honor  and  glory 
upon  the  Son  of  God  :  with  his  work  and  salvation 
God  is  well  pleased  :  it  has  satisfied  heaven  for  thy 
sins ;  let  thy  conscience  be  satisfied  with  Jesus,  and 
glory  in  him  alone. 


DECEMBER  13.  503 

For  thy  encouragement  herein,  consider  Peter,  who 
wrote  these  words :  he  was  honored  to  be  on  the  mount ; 
saw  his  Lord's  transfiguration  j  heard  these  words  from 
the  excellent  glory  ;  and  yet,  with  oaths  and  curses,  he 
denied  that  he  knew  the  man  whom  God  the  Father  had 
so  lately  honored  and  glorified :  there  was  an  inex- 
pressible fulness  of  grace  in  Jesus  even  for  him.  Out  of 
Christ's  fulness  Peter  received  grace  upon  grace,  where- 
by he  was  recovered  from  his  fall,  restored  to  repent- 
ance, and  preserved  to  salvation.  O  may  the  dear  Sa- 
viour look  our  hearts  into  godly  sorrow  and  holy  love, 
that  we  may  say,  "  This  is  my  beloved  Saviour,  in  whom 
I  am  well  pleased." 


Dec.  13. — I  was  alive  ivithout  the  laio  once  :  hit  when  the  com- 
mandment came,  sin  revived,^  and  I  died.     Rom.  7  :  9. 

Would  you  read  the  best  experience  of  a  true  believer 
in  Christ  ever  written  1  I  believe  it  is  here  in  this  chap- 
ter. Try  your  own  :  judge  of  others  by  this.  If  we  are 
taught  by  the  same  Spirit,  our  experience  will  answer  to 
that  of  Paul  in  the  following  particulars  : 

A  sense  of  sin  will  be  revived  in  the  conscience,  which 
no  human  palliatives  or  lulling  opiates  can  any  longer 
hush  to  silence.  You  will  so  see,  and  be  sensible  of  its 
dread  and  terror,  that  you  will  confess  yourself  to  be 
totally  destroyed  by  it,  and  that  your  case  is  desperate. 

This  is  efl^ected  by  the  law,  "  for  by  the  law  is  the 
knowledge  of  sin."  Rom.  3 :  20.  '^When  the  command 
mentcame" — that  is,  when  the  purity  and  spirituality 
of  the  holy  and  perfect  law  of  God  comes  into  your 
heart  and  conscience,  then  you  see  that  it  requires 
truth  and  perfection  of  obedience  in  the  inward  parts 
as  well  as  in  the  outward  life.  You  see  you  have  it 
not :  you  find  it  is  impossible  for  you,  a  sinner,  to  ful- 
fil God's  holy  law. 


504  DECEMBER  14. 

Then  you  die:  you  become  as  a  dead  man.  Seeing 
the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin  in  you,  and  the  dreadful 
curse  of  the  law  hanging  over  you,  all  hope  of  life  for- 
sakes you.  Sin  and  the  law  live  within  you  ;  they  pierce 
your  soul  to  the  quick.  The  law  adds  strength  to  sin. 
You  can  no  longer  flatter  yourself  that  your  state  is 
good,  that  you  can  do  any  thing  to  bring  yourself  upon 
good  terms  with  God ;  you  have  now  done  with  all 
works  of  righteousness  to  that  end  ;  you  can  have  no 
more  hope  from  your  obedience  to  the  law,  than  from 
your  transgressions  against  it :  you  see  sin  in  all  that 
you  are,  and  in  all  that  you  do. 

But  the  hand  of  the  Comforter  is  in  all  this.  His  lov- 
ing design  is  to  bring  you  to  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son 
of  God.  Instead  of  looking  to  your  own  righteousness, 
and  living  by  it,  you  are  to  live  wholly  and  solely  upon 
his  life  and  by  his  righteousness.  But  while  "  alive  with- 
out the  law,"  and  striving  to  fulfil  the  law,  you  overlook 
Christ,  slight  his  righteousness,  and  think  it  better  to 
trust  your  own  than  his.  Now  the  Spirit  keeps  alive 
sin  and  the  law  in  you  for  this  very  purpose,  to  make 
you  wretched  in  self  and  happy  in  Christ.  All  expe- 
riences that  do  not  effect  this  are  vain.  Christ  is  the 
end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth.  Rom.  10  :  4. 


Dec.  14. — Be  content  with  such  tilings  as  ye  have  :  for  he  hath 
said,  I  loill  never  leave  tJiec,  nor  forsahe  thee.  Heb.  13  :  5. 

Preach  contentment  to  a  covetous,  carnal  man,  and 
you  wmII  have  no  better  success  than  if  you  bid  the  surg- 
ing billows  be  calm,  or  the  boisterous  winds  be  still.  He 
possesses  nothing  which  can  give  true  content  to  his 
mind.  Has  he  riches  1  They  are  a  curse  to  him;  for 
he  himself  is  under  the  curse  of  the  law.  O  believer, 
were  not  this,  in  a  certain  sense,  your  case  also,  you 


DECEMBER   14.  505 

would  stand  in  no  need  of  this  exhortation,  '^  Be  con- 
tent." You  are  the  subject  of  a  carnal  nature  :  this  is 
under  the  curse  of  the  law  ;  for  it  is  ever  dissatisfied, 
craving  for  more,  murmuring  against  the  dispensations 
of  the  Lord.  Know  and  consider  this:  be  humble  :  be 
watchful. 

Consider  what  good  things  of  this  life  you  have.  Be 
they  little  or  much,  do  you  deserve  them  1  Have  you 
a  right  to  challenge  more  from  God,  the  giver  of 
them  1  Here  rest,  and  let  conscience  answer  nature's 
cravings. 

Consider  what  spiritual  things  you  have.  You  have 
the  everlasting,  unchangeable  love  of  a  covenant  God 
and  Father.  You  have  the  life,  death,  and  intercession 
of  God  the  Son  for  your  righteousness,  atonement,  and 
salvation.  Asa  consequence  of  this,  and  that  you  may 
know  and  be  sure  of  it,  the  Spirit  has  bestowed  his 
graces  upon  you.  Hence  you  have  faith  in  Christ,  hope 
towards  God,  love  to  him,  delight  in  him,  a  heart  to  cry 
to  him,  a  will  to  please  him,  a  desire  to  walk  holily 
before  him.  And  to  encourage  and  enable  to  this,  you 
have  ail  his  precious  promises  in  Christ  :  these  are  the 
stafl'  of  your  faith,  the  support  of  your  hope,  and  the  joy 
of  your  soul.  What  w^ant  you  more  I  Paul  sums  up  all 
in  one  word  :  ''  ^11  thi?igs  are  yours."    1  Cor.  3  :  22. 

Is  not  this  enough  to  make  you  content  1  Ah,  say  you, 
I  find  myself  such  a  vile  sinner,  I  am  afraid  I  shall  for- 
feit all  these  things.  So  you  would  before  the  next  set- 
ting sun  if  you  stood  in  yourself;  but  here  is  a  covenant 
promise  from  a  faithful  God  for  you  :  "  I  will  never  leave 
thee  nor  forsake  thee."  This  is  a  most  precious  word 
for  you  :  fasten  upon  it:  draw  comfort,  derive  content 
from  it.  Some  say  this  regards  things  of  this  Tife  only. 
Well,  surely  if  God  loves  his  people's  bodies,  he  will 
never  forsake  their  souls  :  and  to  silence  all  the  cavils 
of  unbelief,  the  words  run,  JVo^  I  will  noi leave  i/iee;  no^ 

S.  Trc^isurj.  22 


506  DECEMBER  15. 

no^  I  will  not  forsake  thee.  Here  are  five  negatives.  *^  Be 
not  faithless,  but  believing."  John,  20  :  27. 


Dec.  Id.— These  all  died  in  failh.  Heb.  11  :  ]3. 

An  officer  in  the  navy,  who  held  me  in  derision  on 
account  of  religion,  fell  dangerously  ilL  To  my  great 
surprise  he  sent  for  me.  I  found  him  in  distress  of  soul: 
FDoke  freely  to  him  of  our  lost  estate,  of  Christ's  love 
and  salvation,  and  prayed  with  him.  He  wept  sore,  and 
clapping  his  hands  to  his  breast,  cried  out,  ''  O  my  God, 
have  I  a  soul  V  as  though  he  had  never  known  it  before. 
He  soon  added,  "  Where  have  I  lived  that  I  never  heard 
these  things  before  \  O,  I  shall  never  forget  what  I 
have  heard  this  night!"  I  visited  him  to  his  last  mo- 
ments, and  trust  he  died  in  the  faith,  and  hope  to  see 
him  in  glory.  "  Heaven  is  a  house  full  of  the  miracles 
of  Christ's  grace,"  says  one.  There  is  the  once  idola- 
trous Manasseh ;  the  murdering  David ;  the  perse- 
cuting Saul;  the  Christ-denying  Peter.  O  my  God, 
shall  wretched  I  be  there  1  Yes,  if  I  die  in  the  faith  of 
Christ,  my  vileness,  sinfulness,  and  unworthiness  his 
blood  shall  wash  away.  Christ,  by  his  grace,  qualifies 
me  for  heaven. 

See  the  nature  of  this  faith  :  it  looks  to  precious  pro- 
mises: though  seen  afar  ofT,  yet  it  brings  assurance  of 
their  existence  into  the  mind,  and  the  soul  embraces 
them.  O  christian,  when  you  complain  of  your  faith, 
you  forget  the  great  and  precious  promises  which  are 
its  ground  and  support.  It  not  only  views  Christ  in  the 
promises,  but  it  receives  Christ,  in  whom  '^  all  the  pro- 
mises are  yea  and  amen,  to  the  glory  of  God."  2  Cor.  1 : 
20.  When  Christ  dwells  in  the  heart  hy  faith,  we  con- 
fess ourselves  strangers  and  pilgrims  in  the  earth  :  we 
see  that  we  have  a  heavenly  inheritance,  and  are  only 
passing  through  this  world  to  it.    This  world  is  not  our 


DECEMBER  16.  507 

home :  we  are  not  of  the  world :  our  hearts  are  above 
the  world  :  our  souls  cry  to  be  at  home  with  our  Father, 
God  j  with  Christ  5  and  with  our  brethren  in  glory.  Like 
Abraham,  we  see  the  day  of  Christ.  He  saw  the  first 
coming  of  Christ  long  before  his  advent :  we  by  faith 
see  his  second  coming  to  take  us  to  himself  in  glory; 
hence  we  rejoice.  O  the  comfort  of  living,  0  the  joy 
of  dying  in  this  faith:  it  realizes  heaven  and  glory  to 
the  soul:  hope  is  its  constant  attendant;  and  by  faith 
and  hope  in  the  promises,  love  springs  up  in  the  heart. 
Thus  the  sinner  is  fitted  for  the  enjoyment  of  God.  Die 
when  he  may,  he  dies  in  faith — dies  in  the  Lord,  and 
shall  live  eternally  with  the  Lord.  "  By  grace  ye  are 
saved,  through  faith."  Ephes.  2  :  8. 


Dec.  16. —  The  times  of  refreshing  shall  come  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord.  Acts,  3:19. 

To  whom  shall  these  times  come  1  To  every  sinner 
who  repents  and  turns  to  Christ  for  salvation.  From 
whence  shall  they  come  1  From  "the  presence  of  the 
Lord."  Here  then  see  whether  you  have  repented  and 
turned  to.  the  Lord.  If  so,  your  soul  will  delight  in  God's 
presence.  You  will  earnestly  long  for  and  highly  prize 
these  refreshing  seasons.  You  will  say  with  David, 
'^  Thou  art  my  God,  my  times  are  in  thy  hands:  I  will 
bless  the  Lord  at  all  times  :  his  praise  shall  continu- 
ally be  in  my  mouth."  Psalm  31:15;  34  :  1.  Hence  you 
will  turn  from  your  sins,  your  self-righteous  hopes,  car- 
nal pleasures  and  worldly  vanities,  to  seek  all  your  hap- 
piness in  the  enjoyment  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord  ;S 
and  you  will  wait  in  the  patience  of  faith  for  the  com- 
ing of  refreshing  seasons,  assured  that  they  shall  come. 

Is  it  now  a  night  of  gloom  and  sadness  1  Are  we 
tried  and  afflicted,  bowed  down  and  dejected  %  Is  the 
sun  of  comfort  set  1    Does  the  moon  withhold  its  sh/n- 


508  DECEMBER  17. 

ing,  and  the  stars  their  light  1  Yet  times  of  refreshing 
shall  come.  Believe  this  :  hang  on  this  word  ;  bless  the 
Lord  for  it.  That  blessed  Comforter  who  brought  us 
to  Christ,  will  refresh  our  souls  with  a  sense  of  the  love 
of  Christ,  the  peace  of  God,  and  the  joys  of  the  heavenly- 
world  :  he  will  refresh  us  with  his  witness  to  our  hearts 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God  and  heirs  of  glory.  He 
does  preserve  in  our  minds  a  sense  of  the  precious  truth, 
that  Christ  is  both  an  able  and  a  willing  Saviour :  that 
he  calls  our  weary,  laboring  souls  to  him,  and  promises 
us  eternal  rest.    This  is  refreshing  to  our  hearts. 

Is  sin  our  burden  X  Do  we  want  rest  1  Are  our  souls 
troubled  for  vv'ant  of  peace  1  Are  our  spirits  distressed 
for  want  of  refreshment  1  Christ  says,  ''  Come  unto  me.'^ 
But  more  precious  times  of  refreshment  shall  soon 
come:  yet  a  little  while,  and  we  shall  behold,  and  be  in 
the  eternal  enjoyment  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  O, 
a  lively  view  of  this  by  faith  is  refreshing  indeed  !  Theri 
we  long  to  be  absent  from  the  body  and  present  with 
the  Lord  :  we  are  sick  of  the  world  :  sick  of  ourselves  : 
v/e  triumph  over  sin  and  Satan,  smile  at  death  and  wel- 
come its  approach.  ^^  And  now,  Lord,  \vhat  wait  I  for  T 
My  hope  is  in  thee."  Psalm  39:7.  "Looking  for  that 
blessed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great 
God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  himself 
for  us."  Tit.  2:13,  14. 


Dec.  17. — 7,  even  /,  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy  transgressions 
for  7nine   own  sale,  and  will   not  rememher  thy  sins.     Isa. 

43 :  25. 

With  tears  of  joy  and  love,  my  once  dearly  beloved 
and  much  honored  friend,  now  with  Jesus,  the  late  reve- 
rend jMr.  Jones,  minister  of  St.  Saviour's,  told  mc 
that  the  auful  charges  which  precede,  and  the  free  and 
unmerited  grace  which  is  proclaimed  la  this  text,  made 


DECEMBER  17.  509 

the  first  impressions  of  the  Saviour's  love  upon  his  heart. 

0  that  the  Lg»1  of  all  grace  may  grant  some  comfort 
from  it  to-day.  Here  grace  shines  with  meridian  splen- 
dor: here  grace  gloriously  reigns  over  all  the  abound- 
ings  of  sin:  here  grace  sweetly  triumphs  over  all  the 
baseness  and  unworthiness  of  the  sinner. 

In  the  two  former  verses  God  arraigns  the  sinner, 
reads  a  black  cataloo'ue  of  indictment  ao:ainst  him,  and 
concludes  with,  Thou  hast  made  me  to  serve  with  thy 
sins,  thou  hast  wearied  me  with  thine  iniquities."  The 
sinner  is  struck  dumb :  he  dares  not  deny  it ;  the  Judge 
proceeds  to  pass  sentence.  What  is  it  1  Vengeance  and 
damnation  1  What  else  could  be  expected  1  Be  aston- 
ished, O  heavens!  shout  for  joy,  O  sinners  upon  earth! 
/,  even  I\  am  he — what  1  who  will  be  avenged  of  thee  1 
Yes:  but  it  is  love  whk;h  takes  vengeance  upon  thy 
sins,  and  will  melt  down  thy  hard,  thy  base  heart — ihat 
hloitdh  out  ihy  iransgressions.  What,  my  soul,  the  very 
God  whom  thou  hast  '^  made  to  serve  with  thy  sins  and 
wearied  with  thine  iniquities,"  will  he  blot  them  all  outl 
Yes,  as  a  black  cloud  is  dispelled  by  the  sun,  or  driven 
away  by  the  wind ;  or  as  an  immense  debt  is  discharged  by 
the  stroke  of  the  pen  of  a  merciful  creditor,  never,  never 
more  to  appear  against  or  be  demanded  of  the  debtor. 

For,  O  wonder  of  love !  he  saith  farther,  ^^Ind  will 
not  rememher  thy  sins.  I  cannot  forget  my  sins ;  how 
then  can  my  Lord  '?  He  laid  them  upon  his  Son,  thy 
surety.  They  were  all  atoned  for  by  him.  Why  all  this  1 
For  the  sake  of  thy  works,  or  any  thing  thou  hast  done  1 
Spurn  the  thought.    Hear  thy  Lord,  For  mine  own  sake^ 

1  have  blotted  out  thy  sins  through  thy  Redeemer's 
blood.  The  Father  blots  them  out  for  the  sake  of  his 
rio-hteousnessand  truth.  The  gracious  Spirit  blots  them 
out  of  the  conscience,  for  the  glory  of  the  Father  and 
the  Son,  and  because  he  is  the  Comforter. yO  what  bound- 
less bliss  is  here  !  Believe,  rejoice,  and  love. 


510  DECEMBER  18. 

Dec.  18.— T/'  we  iin  icilfully  after  that  we  have  received  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth,  there  remaineth  iff  more  sacrifice 
for  sins,  hut  a  certain  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment  and 
fiery  indignation,  which  shall  devour  the  adversaries.  He- 
brews, 10  :  26,  27. 

Awful  words !  enough  to  make  one's  heart  tremhle, 
excite  a  holy  fear,  and  provoke  a  godly  jealousy.  AVil- 
ful  sins  bring  on  woful  complaints.  Yes,  some  one  re- 
plies, I  find  it  so  by  woful  experience.  I  have  received 
the  knowledge  of  the  truth  of  salvation  by  Christ  Jesus, 
and  Oh  what  have  I  done  I  Sinned  wilfully  j  and  now  I 
must  perish  eternally  j  there  is  no  hope  or  help  :  my  sin 
is  unpardonable  :  there  remains  no  more  sacrifice  for 
sins,  but  a  certain  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment ;  I  am 
shut  up  in  despair  ;  I  wait  with  terror  my  dreadful  doom. 

Stop  a  little:  write  not  siflh  bitter  things  against 
thyself.  True,  you  are  condemned  for  your  past  wicked 
conduct :  it  is  fit  you  should  take  shame  to  yourself, 
humble  yourself,  and  repent  as  in  dust  and  ashes ;  but 
this  text  never  was  intended  to  drive  to  despair,  even 
the  wilful  sinner,  who  sees  and  truly  repents  of  his  vile 
conduct.  Consider,  that  if  every  wilful  sin  committed 
after  a  person  has  received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth 
is  unpardonable,  the  whole  world  must  be  lost ;  not  one 
sinner  would  be  saved  ;  and  the  word  of  God  could  not 
be  true,  ''  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  from  all 
sin."  1  John,  1 :  7.  Then  all  backsliding  sinners  must 
perish  without  hope.  God  himself  must  prove  false  to 
his  word,  '^  I  will  heal  their  backslidings."  Hosea,  14  :  4. 
And  Christ  must  be  a  false  prophet  \vhen  he  declares, 
"  All  manner  of  sin  and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven 
unto  men."  Matt.  12:  31. 

Consider  well  two  words  in  this  text :  ^^  There  re 
maineth  no  more  sacrifice  for  sins."  Now  this  wilful  sin 
is  rejecting  the  one  sacrifice  of  Jesus,  treading  under 


DECEMBER  19.  511 

foot  the  Son  of  God,  accounting  his  blood  an  unholy- 
thing,  and  expecting  to  be  saved  some  other  way.  Here 
is  total  apostacy  and  final  unbelief;  whereas  your  guilty 
conscience  seeks  no  sacrifice  beside  the  one  offering  of 
the  Son  of  God.  Again,  it  is  the  adversary  who  is  to  be 
devoured.  Is  your  heart  set  against  Christ  \  Do  you 
turn  from  him  \  Do  you  desire  to  have  nothing  to  do 
with  himl  O  no  !  the  one  desire  of  your  soul  is  to  be 
pardoned  through  him,  accepted  in  him,  and  saved  by 
him.  Then  you  are  not,  in  the  sense  of  the  text,  the  ad- 
versary'" of  Christ,  and  this  text  belongs  not  to  you. 
But  this  does,  "  It  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of 
all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to 
save  sinners,"   1  Tim.  1 :  15- 


Dec  19. — Ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage  again  to 
fear ;  hut  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  ivherehy 

ive  cry,  Abba,  Father.    Rom.  8  :  15. 

The  Spirit  of  God  never  was,  never  is,  nor  ever  can 
be  "the  spirit  of  bondage"  to  any  soul :  some  have  as- 
serted it,  but  it  is  a  mistake;  it  is  contrary  to  his  name, 
the  Comforter:  he  is  a  free  Spirit,  a  spirit  of  liberty  to 
the«oul:  he  takes  of  the  things  of  Christ  and  shows 
them  to  us  ;  testifies  of  Christ ;  brings  us  into  the  liber- 
ty of  Christ ;  enables  us  to  glory  in  the  adoption  of  chil- 
dren, and  to  call  God  Father,  in  the  faith  of  Christ. 
When  he  convinces  of  sin,  it  is  not  to  bring  the  soul 
into  bondage,  but  to  break  the  bondage  of  sin,  of  the 
law,  of  death,  and  of  Satan  in  the  conscience,  and  to  cast 
away  the  cords  thereof,  that  the  soul  may  be  united  to 
Christ  by  faith.    In  all  this  he  is  the  Comforter. 

What  then  is  this  '*  spirit  of  bondage  V  It  is  the  spi- 
rit of  the  law:  just  as  the  Egyptians  made  the  children 
of  Israel  to  serve  with  rigor,  and  made  their  lives  bitter 
with  hard  bondage.  Exod.  1 ;  14.     Do  what  they  would. 


512  DECEMBER   20. 

they  could  never  please,  never  get  a  good  word  from 
their  task-masters.  So  let  the  poor  sinner  labor,  tug  and 
toil  from  day  to  day  to  fulfil  the  law,  and  to  be  made 
righteous  by  obedience  to  it,  yet,  like  hard-hearted  Pha- 
raoh, it  says,  '' '  Ye  are  idle,  ye  are  idle  ;'  pay  me  what 
thou  owest  me,  my  full  due  :  I  am  not  satisfied  ;  you  have 
not  fulfilled  my  righteous  demands:  you  are  still  cursed.'* 
Thus  a  legal  spirit  is  always  in  bondage  :  his  soul  is  al- 
ways subject  to  fear.  Though  he  works  like  a  slave,  yet 
he  gets  nothing  but  slavish  dread  of  God,  and  fear  of  per- 
dition at  last ;  for  the  law  works  only  wrath  in  the  con- 
science. Rom.  4  :  15.  This  is  fearful  bondage  indeed. 

Glory  to  the  Spirit  of  adoption  for  bringing  us  from 
it,  and  enabling  us  to  cry,  Abba,  Father.  How  does  he 
effect  this  1  We  receive  the  Spirit  of  adoption  by  the 
faith  of  Jesus  :  we  see  a  righteous  law  perfectly  fulfilled 
by  the  one  obedience  of  Christ :  by  this  we,  sinners,  are 
made  righteous.  Rom.  5  :  19.  Here  our  hearts  take  re- 
fuge :  through  this  righteousness  the  Spirit  brings  peace 
to  our  conscience  ;  discharges  from  the  condemnation 
of  the  law ;  frees  us  from  guilty  fears  and  terrors  of 
God;  and  instead  thereof,  breathes  this  precious  cry  irj 
our  hearts,  "  Abba,"  my  loving,  my  adopted  Father  in 
Christ.  Now  love  reigns  in  the  soul.  The  Spirit  of 
adoption  does  not  again  become  a  spirit  of  bondage : 
but  if  you  do  not  walk  in  faith  and  love,  he  may  leave 
you  to  the  awful  bondage  of  your  own  spirit,  and  under 
the  terrors  of  a  broken  law.  ''  Grieve  not  the  Holy 
Spirit  of  God."  Eph.  4  :  30. 


Dec.  20. — CaJi  a  icoman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that  she 
should  not  have  compassion  on  the  son  of  her  ivomh  ?  Yea 
they  may  forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee.  Isa.  49  :  15. 

"  Lord,  remember  David  in  all  his  afflictions."  Psalm 
132:1.     How   comprehensive    is   this    short    petition! 


DECEMBER  ^0.  51S 

What  a  holy  boldness,  what  a  filial  confidence  breathes 
in  it!  Yes,  says  a  poor  doubting-,  dejected  soul,  it  came 
from  an  eminent  saint  j  but  I  am  a  miserable  sinner;  I 
am  afraid  the  Lord  hath  forgotten  and  forsaken  me.  Is 
your  mind  pained  at  the  thought  of  this  ]  This  is  a  god- 
ly sorrow,  to  which  the  wicked  are  strangers.  This  is 
one  of  the  afHictions  of  the  righteous. 

"  Lord,  remember  me,"  is  the  prayer  of  faith  to  a 
covenant  God.  Here  is  a  precious  cordial,  a  heart- 
reviving  answer  from  the  Lord.  '^  Look  at  that  woman 
with  her  smiling  babe  at  her  breast :  see  how  fond  she 
is  of  it,  how  delighted  with  it:  it  is  part  of  herself:  its 
innocent  look  and  helpless  cry  call  forth  her  tenderest 
affection  and  regard.  Can  she  forget  it  1  Can  she  refuse 
to  show  compassion  to  it  1  Will  she  neglect  to  adminis- 
ter to  its  wants,  and  to  preserve  from  danger  the  deat 
and  tender  son  of  her  womb  1  Is  it  possible  1"  Here 
is  an  image  in  nature  which  strikes  one  with  the  most 
tender  affection,  to  set  forth  the  love  and  care  of  the 
Lord  to  his  people. 

But  strong  and  striking  as  it  is,  it  fails.  There  have 
been  those  who  have  not  had  compassion  upon  the  off- 
spring of  their  womb.  Therefore,  knowing  the  fears  and. 
surmises  of  our  nature,  the  Father  of  love  and  the 
friend  of  sinners,  as  it  were,  corrects  himself,  ''  Yea, 
they  may  forget  " — the  comparison  fails — this  image, 
yea,  all  nature  is  too  weak  to  borrow  a  representation 
from.  Yd  will  I  noi  forget  thee.  O,  may  faith  fasten  and 
live  upon  this  precious  word.  May  love  be  excited  and 
joy  increased  by  it.  As  though  our  dear  Lord  had  said, 
"I  have  loved  thee  v/ith  an  everlasting  love,"  saved 
thee  with  an  everlasting  salvation,  called  thee  by  my 
grace,  made  thee  know  thy  poverty  and  vileness,  thy 
hopeless  and  helpless  state  :  shall  Lj^ver  be  unmindful 
of  thy  distress,  deaf  to  thy  cry,  ana 'unwilling  to  re- 
ieve  thy  wants  1 

22* 


514  DECEMBER  21. 

Is  the  tender  infant  part  of  its  mother  l  Remember, 
"  we  are  members  of  Christ's  bodj^,  of  his  flesh  and  of 
his  bones."  Ephes.  5 :  30.  Was  the  infant  born  in  pain 
and  sorrow  l  O,  what  agonies  did  it  cost  our  Lord  to 
redeem  us !  Has  he  brought  us  to  himself  for  salva- 
tion ;  and  will  he  leave  us  to  perish  by  sin,  to  be  over- 
come by  the  world,  or  to  be  a  prey  to  Satan  1  Ever  re 
member  the  riches  of  his  love  :  "  Behold,  I  have  graven 
thee  upon  the  palms  of  my  hands."  Isa.  49 :  16. 


Dec,  21. — My  Beloved  is  mine.    Song,  2 :  16. 

Here  is  a  knowledge  worth  more  than  heaven  and 
earth  ;  for  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  but  this 
knowledge  endureth  for  ever.  O  happy  souls,  who  are 
favored  with  it,  give  glory  to  your  beloved  to-day.  Ye 
who  are  seeking  it,  rejoice  ;  for  he  hath  said,  "  Every  one 
that  seeketh  findeth."  Matt.  7  :  8.  Happy  Job  was  fa- 
vored with  it  when  he  was  "  in  heaviness  through  mani- 
fold temptations,"  "  broken  in  the  place  of  dragons  and 
covered  with  the  shadow  of  death :"  then  he  must  have 
utterly  fainted  had  he  not  believed.  Time  was,  when 
Job  could  say,  my  health,  my  wealth,  my  honors,  my 
children,  my  comforts  j  but  these  were  all  dead  and 
gone :  he  had  nothing  within  nor  without  on  which  to 
stay  his  soul,  but  the  word  of  the  Lord  and  the  Lord  re- 
vealed in  the  word.  This  was  his  support  and  his  glory  : 
though  1  have  lost  all  things,  '^  I  know  that  my  Redeem- 
er liveth  ;"  while  he  lives  I  cannot  die  :  he  has  redeem- 
ed me  ;  I  cannot  despair:  I  will  rejoice  in  him,  though 
stript  of  all  besides. 

O,  how  does  the  whole  world  lie  fast  asleep  in  the 
arms  of  the  wicked  one,  without  the  least  thought  or 
desire  after  the  knowledge  of  this  precious  Redeemer  ! 
Yet  how  many  poor  sinners  are  saying :  "  O  that  I  knew 
this  Redeemer  was  mine ;  that  I  could  say,  I  know  that 


DECEMBER  22.  515 

my  Redeemer  liveth.  Nothing  in  all  the  world  could 
give  me  such  comfort  as  this."  Bless  the  Holy  Spirit, 
for  he  hath  given  you  peculiar  knowledge  of  Christ.  It 
is  special  grace  that  you  are  brought  to  see  your  misery 
as  a  sinner,  and  your  want  of  a  Redeemer,  and  to  make 
Christ  the  choice  of  your  soul.  You  know  that  you  be- 
lieve the  Redeemer  liveth.  All  this  is  in  consequence 
of  his  love  to  you :  he  chose  you :  he  loves  you :  he 
died  for  you  :  he  lives  to  pray  for  you :  therefore  he  has 
blessed  you,  by  sending  his  Spirit  to  you.  Why  then 
should  unbelief  so  prevail  in  you  as  to  keep  you  from 
honoring  him,  by  claiming  him  as  your  beloved  and 
rejoicing  in  him  as  your  friend'? 

O  the  unspeakable  mercy  to  have  such  a  Redeemer  I 
"We  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  even  the  for- 
giveness of  sins  :"  perfect  peace  with  God  and  a  sure 
title  to  glory.  Blessed  be  God  for  Jesus  Christ.  Study 
the  work,  the  finished,  everlastingly  glorious  work  of 
Christ's  redemption:  believe  his  precious  word  of  in 
vitation,  "  Come  unto  me  :"  his  precious  promise,  "  I  will 
give  you  rest."  What  could  Christ  have  done  more 
than  he  hath  to  manifest  his  love  to  sinners  1  Why 
then  should  you  or  I,  or  any  poor  sinner,  be  kept  from 
claiming  him  by  faith,  saying,  "  This  is  my  beloved  and 
my  friend  1"    Song,  5  :  16. 


Dec.  22. — Undtrneath  arc  the  everlasting  arms.  Deut.  33  :  27. 

It  is  fabled  of  Antseus,  that  every  time  Hercules 
threw  him  to  the  ground,  he  rose  up  the  stronger ;  for 
he  obtained  new  strength  by  touching  his  mother,  the 
earth.  So  the  christian  :  when  assaulted  and  thrown 
down  by  the  enemy,  he  falls  into  the  Lord's  everlasting 
arms,  and  gains  fresh  strength :  he  cannot  be  thrown 
down  lower  than  God  suffers  ;  for  "  underneath  are  the 
everlasting  arms."    His  word  is  full  of  grace,  his  arms 


516  DECEMBER  22. 

almighty,  his  love  everlasting.  Here  is  the  wisdom, 
here  the  glory  of  the  Lord's  people — to  look  from  them- 
selves, to  go  out  of  themselves  for  safety  and  salvation. 
For  they  rest  upon  God's  word  :  they  believe  the  Lord 
to  be  all  that  to  them  which  he  has  said.  This  is  living 
by  faith;  honoring  the  Lord's  truth  ;  glorifying  the  Sa- 
viour's name. 

Why  are  we  told,  "  Underneath  are  the  everlasting 
arms  V  Because  we  know  and  see  ourselves  deserving 
of  hell,  and  liable  to  fall  into  the  pit  of  destruction. 
Therefore  the  Lord  would  have  our  hearts  strong  in 
him,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might,  that  we  may 
not  fear  the  face  of  any  enemy,  nor  be  dismayed  under 
the  sense  of  our  own  vileness  and  insufficiency  to 
stand. 

Drooping  believer !  Why  dost  thou  hang  down  thy 
head  1  Why  those  distressing  doubts  and  fears  1  Look 
back  to  the  everlasting  covenant :  there  everlasting 
love  presided.  Then  wast  thou  viewed,  and  thy  case 
provided  for.  Look  up ;  there  sits  a  God  of  love  on  a 
throne  of  grace ;  there  stands  thy  blessed  advocate, 
JesuSj  ever  pleading  th}'-  cause.  Look  underneath,  there 
are  the  everlasting  arms  to  sustain  and  support  thee. 
What  power  then  shall  prevail  against  thee  1  Neither 
sin,  death,  nor  hell  can  snatch  thee  out  of  the  everlast- 
ing arms  of  thy  almighty  God,  thy  reconciled  Father  : 
out  of  the  arms  of  thy  gracious  Redeemer :  out  of  the 
powerful  arms  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  thy  sanctifier.  In  the 
everlasting  arms  is  everlasting  safety.  Here  is  a  cove- 
nant declaration.  Exercise  upon  it  the  covenant  grace 
of  faith.  "  The  eternal  God  is  thy  refuge  :"  flee  to  him 
in  distress.  His  everlasting  arms  are  underneath:  re- 
joice in  thy  safety.  He  will  thrust  out  every  enemy  be- 
fore thee,  and  speak  destruction  to  them.  Happy  art ' 
thou,  0  believer  !  Who  is  like  unto  thee,  saved  by  thy 
Lord  1 


DECEMBER  23.  517 

Dec.  23. — Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence.    Prov.  4:  23, 

Camden  reports,  that  "  Redwald,  king  of  the  East- 
Saxons,  the  first  christian  prince  of  this  nation,  allowed 
in  the  same  church  an  altar  for  Christ  and  another  for 
the  heathen  idols."  How  many  professed  christians  imi- 
tate him.  Their  hearts  are  not  whole  with  Christ :  they 
are  sons  of  folly.  This  is  a  charge  of  Wisdom  to  all  her 
children  :  consider,  there  is  but  one  object  can  make 
your  heart  happy  j  there  are  a  thousand  that  promise 
happiness,  but  only  yield  misery  :  keep  thy  heart  ''  in 
the  love  of  God."  Jude,  21. 

Give  all  diligence  to  this  blessed  end  :  unless  you  diO^ 
vanity  may  prevail  in  the  mind,  error  in  the  understand- 
ing, perverseness  in  the  will,  the  affections  may  be  in- 
ordinately set  upon  other  objects  than  thy  Lord,  and  so 
thy  conscience  contract  fresh  guilt.  Then  thou  mayest 
be  left  to  bemoan  a  hard  heart  and  an  absent  God  : 
darkness  may  surround  thee  :  fears  and  terrors  haunt 
thee  ;  the  remembrance  of  long-departed  sins  may  dis- 
tress thee  ;  the  prospect  of  death  and  eternity  appear 
awful  to  thee  ;  the  day  of  judgment  dreadful,  while 
Satan  triumphs  over  thee,  "  There,  there,  so  would  I 
have  it."  Then  may  thy  heart  upbraid  thee  that  all  this 
is  come  upon  thee  because  thou  wast  not  diligent  to 
watch  its  motions,  to  keep  out  the  enemy,  and  maintain 
sweet  communion  and  holy  fellowship  with  thy  best 
friend,  thy  Saviour. 

Lord,  stir  up  my  soul  to  '^  give  all  diligence,"  Though 
we  shall  not  be  saved  for  out  diligence,  yet,  we  shall 
thus  escape  many  snares  and  evils,  and  enjoy  safety 
and  comfort :  ''  The  soul  of  the  diligent  shall  be  made 
fat."  Prov.  13  :  4,  Such  shall  feed  upon  heavenly  truth, 
grace  and  love ;  their  soul  shall  prosper  and  be  in 
health ;  while  careless  triflers  with  God  and  their  own 
souls  shall  go  to  rest  with  dejection,  rise  with  distress, 
and  live  in  awful  suspense. 


518  DECEMBER  24. 

Dec.  24, — Lo,  this  is  the  man  who  made  not  God  his  strength* 
Psalm  52 :  7. 

The  following  fact  I  had  from  my  late  beloved  friend 
and  faithful  minister  of  Christ,  Mr.  Jones  :  A  poor  infidel 
had  conceived  a  strange  notion  that  men  need  not  die 
unless  they  would.  Upon  his  death-bed  he  affected  to 
be  resolute  and  to  bid  God  defiance.  In  his  last  mo- 
ments he  sprang  up,  gnashed  his  teeth,  and  with  looks 
of  horror  cried  out,  "  God,  I  will  not  die  !"  With  these 
words  he  expired.  Oh  the  fearful  death  of  the  ungodly, 
who  make  not  God  their  strength !  O  the  joyful  end  of 
the  righteous,  whose  strength  is  in  the  Lord !  They 
have  hope  in  their  death  j  for  they  make  God  their 
strength  in  their  life. 

What  can  a  vile  sinner  do  to  make  God  his  friend  % 
to  make  God  his  strength'?  God  is  all  that  to  every  poor 
sinner  which  his  word  reveals  him  and  faith  receives 
him  to  be.  Consider  this.  You  say,  I  am  a  weak,  needy 
creature.  What  saith  the  Lord  %  '^  Let  him  take  hold 
of  my  strength."  Isa.  27  :  5.  "  Thou  hast  been  a  strength 
to  the  poor  :  a  strength  to  the  needy  in  his  distress." 
Isa.  25  :  4.  Again,  in  that  sweet  52d  chapter  of  Isaiah, 
the  title  of  which  is,  Christ  persuadetk  the  church  to  be- 
lieve his  free  redemption^  the  Lord  calls  upon  poor  and 
needy  sinners,  "  Awake,  awake,  put  on  strength."  Ver.  1. 
Thus,  for  the  encouragement  of  our  hearts,  and  to  the 
joy  of  our  souls,  we  see  that  the  Lord  is  the  strength  of 
that  soul  who  believes  in  him,  chooses  him,  and  receives 
him  as  such.  Faith  is  the  hand  that  takes  hold  of  God's 
strength.  Faith  claims  God  as  the  strength  of  the  poor 
and  needy.  And,  because  our  poor  hearts  are  apt  to 
grow  heavy,  neglect  and  forget  the  strength  of  our  heart 
and  our  portion,  lo,  he  crieth  to  us  with  a  mighty  voice, 
"  Awake^  awake'''  Lift  up  your  eyes  :  look  unto  me,  who, 
"  when  ye  were  without  strength,  in  due  time  died  for 
the  ungodly."  Rom.  5  :  6. 


DECEMBER  25.  519 

Pui  on  thy  strength.  Thou  hast  no  inherent  strength. 
Know  thy  strength  is  perfect  weakness.  Put  on  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ :  he  is  "  the  Lord  Jehovah,  in  whom 
is  everlasting  strength."  Isa.  26  :  4-.  Learn  daily  that 
blessed  art,  to  say  with  St.  Paul,  "  When  I  am  weak,  then 
am  I  strong."  2  Cor.  12  :  10.  The  Lord  commands  you, 
"  Let  the  weak  say,  I  am  strong."  Joel,  3 :  10.  "  Be 
strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might." 
Ephesians,  6  :  10. 


Dec.  25. — Behold,  a  virgin  shall  conceive,  and  hear  a  son,  and 
shall  call  his  name  Immanuel — God  with  us.  Isaiah,  7  :  14  ; 
Matthew,  1 :  23. 

On  this  prophecy  hang  all  the  hopes  of  fallen  sinners. 
Had  this  failed,  we  had  all  been  lost :  horror  eternal 
had  awaited  us  ;  hell  eternal  must  have  been  our  doom. 
"  God  with  us"  must  be  born  a  babe  in  time,  or  sinful 
man  for  ever  dies.  But,  O  my  fellow-sinners,  all  hail ! 
I  give  you  joy.  This  day  is  this  Scripture  fulfilled.  This 
virgin  hath  conceived  ;  this  Son,  this  Immanuel,  is  born 
God  in  our  nature — God  with  us,  God  for  us  we  be- 
hold in  Him. 

He  says,  "  I  was  set  up  from  everlasting,"  (as  the  co- 
venant head  of  my  people,) — "  my  delights  were  with 
the  sons  of  men."  Prov.  8  :  23,  31.  Now  he  hath  shown 
how  he  delighted  over  us,  how  he  rested  for  ever  in  his 
love  to  us.  For  he  visits  us  in  our  flesh.  "He  took  not 
on  him  the  nature  of  angels,"  but  became  a  babe  in  hu- 
man flesh,  a  man  ;  born  to  save,  he  lived  to  justify  ;  he 
died  to  redeem — whom  \  fallen  angels  1  No,  they  are 
left,  reserved  in  chains  of  darkness.  But,  unto  us,  sin- 
ners, us  miserable  apostates  from  God,  in  the  very  same 
desperate  state  as  devils ;  behold,  "  unto  us  a  Child  is 
born  ;  unto  us  a  Son  is  given  :"  that  we,  who  are  filthy 
by  birth  and  polluted  by  nature,  might  have   a  holy 


520  DECEMBER  26. 

birth  and  a  sanctified  nature  in  him.  "  The  government 
is  upon  his  shoulders."  He  is  our  King.  He  reigns 
over  us,  for  us,  and  in  us.  Our  souls  and  all  our  con- 
cerns are  safe  in  his  hands.  "  His  name  is  "Wonderful." 
In  his  conception,  birth,  person,  God  and  man  in  one 
Christ:  in  his  life,  death,  resurrection,  ascension,  and 
intercession,  v^-onderful :  in  his  love  to  and  salvation  of 
us,  wonderful.  "  Counsellor."  He  powerfully  pleads 
our  cause  above  ;  he  sweetly  counsels  our  hearts  below 
to  come  to  him,  and  find  rest  in  him.  ''  The  mighty 
God."  None  less  could  save  us.  Jesus  is  the  God  of 
our  salvation.  "The  everlasting:  Father."  He  begets  us 
to  himself,  by  the  word  of  his  grace.  The  most  tender 
parent  on  earth  never  loved  his  children  as  Jesus  loves 
us.  "  The  Prince  of  Peace."  Isaiah,  9:6.  He  is  ever 
at  peace  with  us,  made  peace  for  us,  bestows  his  peace 
on  us. 

"  For  ever  hailovs-ed  be  this  happy  mom  ! 

"  God  dwells  on  earth,  the  Son  of  God  is  born/^ 

The  birth  of  Jesus — behold  it,  says  the  prophet  ; 
dwell  on  it  in  your  own  minds;  feed  on  it  in  your 
hearts.  This  makes  you  happy  all  the  year  round.  For 
this  brings  ''glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  on  earth 
peace,  good  will  towards  men."     Luke,  2  :  14-. 


Dec.  26.— Emmanuel,  God  with  us.  Matt.  1  :  23. 

This  is  the  mystery  which  holy  angels  pry  into-- 
devils  envy — proud  infidels  reject  with  derision — humble 
sinners  glory  in — and  for  which  all  the  redeemed  around 
the  throne  above  are  incessantly  shouting  and  everlast- 
ingly triumphing. 

The  sin-convinced,  spiritually-enlightened  christian  is 
ready  to  exclaim,  0  how  did  we  talk  of  God  in  na- 
ture's darkness,  when  we  were  without  Christ,  '*  having 
no  hope,  and  without  God  in  the  world."    But  now,  O 


DECEMBER  27.  921 

wonder  of  converting  grace,  we  see,  we  believe,  we 
know,  God  iviih  us.  This  is  the  chief  glory  of  our  faith, 
the  chief  joy  of  our  hearts.  In  the  eternal  counsel  he 
had  our  persons  in  view,  our  case  at  heart,  and  under- 
took to  be  our  surety,  our  Jesus.  Lo,  we  were  then 
given  to  him  by  the  Father.  In  the  fullness  of  time  he 
appears  in  our  flesh.  Lo,  he  is  born :  see  the  babe : 
adore  the  God  :  rejoice  ia  "Emmanuel,  God  with  us." 

He  came  to  accomplish  that  in  our  nature,  without 
which  we  must  have  perished  eternally  ;  but  for  which 
we  are  everlastingly  saved  :  namely,  to  "  finish  trans- 
gression, make  an  end  of  sin,  bring  in  an  everlasting 
righteousness,  and  sufier,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  that  he 
might  bring  us  to  God."  1  Peter,  3  :  18.  This  is  sweet 
in  the  history :  but,  O  how  much  more  so  in  the  expe- 
rience of  the  christian. 

God  with  2is,  living  in  our  hearts,  hopes,  and  aflec- 
tions  by  the  Spirit,  through  faith.  We  know,  we  taste, 
we  feel  the  reality,  power,  and  comfort  of  this  truth, 
God  in  Christ  reconciled,  "  not  imputing  our  trespasses 
to  us."  2  Cor.  5  :  19.  God  with  us,  to  oppose  all  who 
are  against  us  ]  Rom.  8:31.  Now,  may  we  not  stand 
forth  and  challenge  all  the  powers  of  sin,  earth,  and 
hell,  ''  Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's 
elect  1"  For  God  the  justifier,  and  we  the  justified,  are 
one  in  Christ:  ''I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me."  says  our 
Lord.  John,  17:23.  Hence  we  meet  in  love,  mutually 
embrace,  and  have  fellowship  one  with  another.  This 
is  the  glory  of  Christ's  nativity,  brought  into  our  hearts. 
"  Christ  in  us  the  hope  of  glory."    Col.  1  :  27. 


Dec.  27. — To  reveal  his  Son  in  me.    Galatians^  1  :  16. 

Hence  begins  spiritual  life  :  a  life  from  God,  in  God, 
with  God,  and  to  God.  By  the  Gospel  the  Son  of  God 
is  revealed  to  us  :  by  the  Spirit  he  is  revealed  in  us. 


522  DECEMBER  28. 

External  revelation  by  the  word,  and  internal  by  the 
Spirit,  are  both  necessary  to  salvation.  Though  Paul 
was  ''  separated  from  his  mother's  womb,  and  called  by 
the  grace"  of  God,  yet  he  had  not  this  inward  revela- 
tion of  Jesus  Christ  to  his  heart,  till  he  heard  the  exter- 
nal word  of  Christ,  saying,  "  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecut- 
est  thou  me  V  Acts,  9  : 4.  Hence  learn  to  prize  both 
the  outward  testimony  of  the  word,  and  the  inward  tes- 
timony of  the  Spirit. 

But  the  chief  glory  of  our  souls  is  the  revealing 
Christ  in  us.  0  for  the  reviving  influence  of  this  while 
we  consider  it.  To  reveal  Christ  in  us,  is  to  make  such 
a  clear  discovery  of  the  matchless  charms  and  inestima- 
ble glory  of  his  person  to  our  souls,  unknown  to  us  be- 
fore, that  our  hearts  are  enamored  with  him  ;  we  choose 
him,  love  him,  delight  in  him,  and  cleave  to  him  in  all 
his  offices  and  characters;  for  by  the  eye  of  our  soul 
we  "behold  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten 
of  the  Father, /w//  of  grace  and  truih^''  to  us  miserable 
sinners :  hence  he  is  the  one  beloved  of  our  souls. 

Without  this  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ  in  us,  alas ! 
what  is  all  external  profession  X  No  more  than  mere  dry 
formality  and  drudgery.  0  my  soul,  0  my  dear  friends, 
be  not  content  to  live  without  a  constant  revelation  of 
Christ  to  your  souls :  this  makes  the  conscience  peace- 
ful, the  heart  happy,  and  the  soul  joj'^ful:  this  inspires 
love,  subdues  lust,  captivates  the  affections,  makes  the 
whole  man  happy  in  God,  and  creates  heaven  in  the  soul 
If  Christ  is  in  the  heart,  all  will  be  right  and  well  in  the 
life.  If  you  believe  in  Christ,  as  revealed  in  the  word, 
this  blessed  promise  is  for  you  ;  pray  for  its  daily  fulfil- 
ment, "I  will  manifest  myself  unto  him."   John,  14  :21. 


Dec.  28. —  Y.e  are  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus.    Gal.  3  :  28. 
Will  a  covetous  man  be  content  with  the  idea  that 


DECEMBER  28.  523 

he  is  rich  1  Were  your  body  in  pain,  would  it  give  you 
ease  to  think  of  a  remedy  without  experiencing  its 
salutary  effects  1  What  avails  all  the  refined  notions  of 
external  union,  unless  the  soul  is  vitally  united  to 
Christ  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  through  faith  1  0 
my  soul,  I  charge  thee  not  to  rest  satisfied  with  the 
notion  of  the  doctrine  of  union,  without  the  comfort  of 
the  grace  of  being  united  to  Christ  and  being  one  with 
him  in  heart  and  affection.  O,  my  Saviour,  to  thee  I 
look  and  pray,  to  find  and  feel  more  and  more  the 
sweet  experience  of  this :  grant  it  to  my  soul  out  of  thy 
fulness. 

Consider  the  persons  here  spoken  of,  ye  :  ye  Jews, 
who  had  the  form  of  godliness  without  the  power :  ye 
Gentile  sinners,  who  once  had  neither  the  form  nor 
the  power  of  Christianity  :  ye  apostate  sinners,  who  yes- 
terday were  haters  of  God,  at  enmity  against  his  law, 
rebels  against  his  government,  in  league  with  sin,  death 
and  hell ;  fighting  under  the  prince  of  darkness :  see 
what  ye  are  now.  Behold  what  grace  has  done  for  you : 
see  into  whom  it  has  implanted  you. 

''  In  Christ  Jesus."  Not  only  in  the  knowledge  of 
him,  faith  in  him,  hope  in  him,  and  love  to  him :  though 
all  this  is  precious  ;  but  much  more,  ye  are  spiritually 
united  to  Christ  even  as  your  soul  is  to  your  body,  your 
body  to  your  head,  or  your  hand  to  your  body.  Now 
Christ  is  your  life,  your  husband,  your  wisdom,  righ- 
teousness, sanctification  and  redemption.  1  Cor.  1  :  30. 
"Ye  are  complete  in  him."  Col.  2  :  10.  Simply  believe 
this :  look  to  Christ  for  the  comfort  of  this  :  glorify  the 
Spirit  for  the  grace  of  this. 

"  Ye  are  all  one  in  Christ,"  whether  Jew  or  Gentile, 
of  one  religious  denomination  or  another :  "  we  being 
many,  are  one  body."  1  Cor.  10 :  17.  Christ  is  the 
head:  we  are  all  members  in  him,  and  of  one  another. 
As  Luther  says,  "  We  have  the   same  Christ ;  I,  thou, 


524^  ^     DECEMBER  29. 

and  all  the  faithful,  which  Peter,  Paul,  and  all  tne 
saints  had."  We  are  all  in  the  same  Jesus :  have  all  one 
Father,  one  Comforter,  and  are  of  one  Spirit.  Then  let 
this  faith  quell  all  unholy  strife,  and  excite  all  heavenly 
love  to  each  other.  O  let  us  make  it  manifest  that  we 
are  in  Christ,  by  following  him  who  is  our  peace,  and 
by  holding  ^'  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace,"  "  let  us  consider  one  another,  to  provoke  unto 
love  and  good  works."    Heh.  10  :  24. 


Dec.  29. —  W/ioi  Christ,  ic/io  is  our  life,  shall  appear,  then  shall 
ye  also  appear  with  him  in  glory.     Col.  3  :  4. 

1  have  read  a  book  consisting  of  stories,  said  to  be 
told  to  the  Sultan  of  Arabia,  to  prevent  a  bloody  pur- 
pose of  his  against  his  Sultaness.  The  relator  of  the 
tales  was  her  own  sister.  She  always  contrived  to  leave 
off  in  the  midst  of  her  story,  which  he  was  so  delighted 
with  as  to  promise  not  to  destroy  her  sister  till  it  w^as 
ended  ;  and  thus  by  protracting  the  execution  she  saved 
her  sister's  life.  Methinks  there  is  no  end  to  the  his- 
tory of  Christ.  Every  fresh  relation  of  him  delights 
the  believing  soul,  and  kindles  the  desire  to  hear  more 
of  him  again  and  again  ;  for  he  averted  the  bloody  exe- 
cution of  law  and  justice  against  us  ;  every  fresh  tale 
of  him  strengthens  our  faith,  sets  our  minds  more  and 
more  against  every  evil,  and  excites  us  to  every  good  : 
for  Christ  is  our  life. 

O  soul,  can  you  ever  believe  too  much  of  him,  or 
hope  too  much  in  him  1  It  is  our  fault,  our  shame,  our 
misery,  that  we  dwell  no  more  en  him  and  converse  no 
more  with  him.  Is  Christ  thy  life,  0  my  soul  %  What 
sort  of  a  life  do  I  live  %  Jesus,  wash  me  in  thy  blood. 
Lord,  pardon  me  by  thy  grace.  Favor  my  soul  with 
fresh  experience  that  thou  art  my  life  ;  so  be  the  death 
of  all  my  sins  and  the  life  of  all  my  graces.  O  appear, 


DECEMBER  30.  525 

appear  in  the  power  of  thy  Spirit  again  and  again  in  me, 
before  thou  shalt  appear  in  thy  power  and  glory  to  me. 
Christ  shall  appear.  What  are  we  looking  at  1  Why 
stand  we  gazing  on  perishing  objects'?  What  are  we 
waiting  fori  The  Saviour  T  He  shall  appear.  Perhaps 
the  very  next  moment,  as  the  Lord  of  life  and  death,  he 
may  say  to  his  angel  death,  Go,  bring  that  saved  sinner 
to  me,  his  Life.  O  joyful  word!  Learn  to  welcome  it; 
faith  will;  for,  'Sve  shall  appear  with  him  in  glorij.'''' 
How  shall  we  appear  1  In  what  we  wore  by  faith,  were 
not  ashamed  of,  but  gloried  in  here  :  "Arrayed  in  fine 
linen,  clean  and  w^iite :"  the  rich  robe  of  Christ's  obe- 
dience unto  death,  which  is  "  the  righteousness  of 
saints."  Eev.  19  :  8.  Mind,  this  is  granted  to  us.  If  it 
be  our  own  righteousness,  we  have  a  right  to  appear  in 
it;  there  needs  no  grant  of  it  :  but  it  is  Christ's  righ- 
teousness, therefore  a  gift,  by  grant,  to  us.  0  remember 
we  shall  appear  (all  the  powders  of  hell  cannot  prevent 
it)  with  Christ  in  glory.  Only  believe,  and  you  w'ill  love 
Christ,  rejoice  to  obey  him,  and  long  for  his  appearing. 
O  Jesus,  my  life,  appear  to  my  soul  in  all  the  power  of 
faith,  the  joy  of  hope,  the  comfort  of  love,  and  the  fel- 
lowship of  peace. 


Dec.  30. — Old  things  are  passed  away.  2  Cor.  5 :  17. 

Such  is  the  blessedness  of  every  new  creature  in 
Christ :  every  believer  in  him  is  a  new  creature.  Mind, 
Paul  does  not  say,  old  things  are  passing  av^^ay,  but  are 
passed  away.  We  are  not  to  understand  him  in  an  ab- 
solute, but  in  a  qualified  sense  ;  for  if  none  were  new 
creatures  till  all  old  things  are  passed  away,  we  should 
not  find  one  on  this  side  heaven.  Now  the  year  is  near 
its  close.  Do  not  you  find  your  old  corruptions  cleaving 
to  you  l  Yea,  the  old  man  of  sin  still  alive  in  you,  just 
as  you  did  at  the  beginning  of  the  j^ear,  or  at  the  be- 


526  DECEMBER  30. 

ginning  of  days  when  you  first  believed  in  Christ  and 
was  made  a  new  creature  in  him  1  Do  not  you  also  see 
the  same  reason  to  comply  with  these  exhortations  as 
at  first  1  '^  Put  ofTthe  old  man,  which  is  corrupt."  Eph. 
4  :  22.  '^  Cleanse  yourself  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh 
and  spirit."    2  Cor.  7:  1. 

But  if  all  this  be  so,  how  can  it  be  said,  "  Old  things 
are  passed  away  1"  Consider,  Paul  is  not  speaking  of  the 
old  creation  of  fallen  nature,  but  of  the  new  creation  in 
Christ  Jesus.  As  men,  and  descendants  from  fallen 
Adam,  all  the  sin  and  misery  of  our  old  nature  abides 
with  us.  We  are  still  in  the  flesh  :  in  that  dwells  no- 
thinof  but  sin  and  evil :  it  is  under  the  sentence,  and  must 
receive  the  wages  of  sin,  death.  But  as  believers  in 
Christ,  "  we  are  passed  from  death  to  life."  John,  5  :  24. 
Being  in  him  by  faith,  we  are  new  creatures  in  a  new 
creation. 

Observe,  in  the  foregoing  verse  Paul  is  speaking  of 
knowing  Christ  and  men  after  the  flesh  ;  but  now  says 
he.  We  have  done  with  carnal  views  and  fleshly  know- 
ledge :  we  are  spiritual :  we  view  and  know  things  by 
faith,  as  new  creatures  in  Christ.  Hence,  as  we  are 
passed  from  our  old  state,  old  things  are  passed  away 
from  us :  our  old  notions  of  God,  of  Christ,  of  salva- 
tion, of  our  own  righteousness,  salvation  by  works  in 
whole  or  in  part — are  all  passed  away.  Yea,  our  delight 
in  our  old  companions,  in  the  vanities  of  this  world, 
which  is  under  the  curse,  and  our  manner  of  living  and 
walking  in  it,  are  passed  away.  Our  old  way  of  keeping 
Christmas  holidays,  and  concluding  the  old  year  in  card- 
playing  and  vanity,  is  passed  away :  and  if,  for  con- 
science sake,  we  do  not  keep  days  by  any  religious  ob- 
servance of  them,  we  do  not  spend  them  in  our  old  way, 
by  "  making  provision  for  the  flesh,  to  fulfil  the  lusts 
thereof."  O,  says  one,  I  would  not  keep  Christmas  for 
the  world  :  it  is  superstitious.    Pray  then  do  not  keep  it 


DECEMBER  31.  527 

for  the  devil  and  the  flesh  :  "  If  we  live  in  the  Spirit,  let 
us  walk  in  the  Spirit."  Gal.  5  :  25. 


Dec.  31. — He  that  cndureth  to  the  end  shall  be  saved.  Matt.  10  :  2. 

We  have  now  reached  the  end  of  another  year.  Look 
back  with  humility :  look  up  with  hope  :  look  forward 
with  joy  :  for  consider  what  great  things  God  hath  done 
for  us:  "Now  is  our  salvation  nearer  than  when  we 
(first)  believed."  Rom.  13  :  11. 

Salvation,  O  the  joyful  sound  ! 

But,  before  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  arose  upon  us 
and  displayed  the  glory  of  his  finished  salvation  to  our 
hearts,  alas!  what  dark,  proud,  ignorant  notions  of  sal- 
Tation  did  we  entertain  !  Instead  of  seeing  righteousness 
as  a  gift  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  justification  of  life  coming 
by  free  gift,  and  eternal  life  the  gift  of  God  through 
Jesus  Christ,  Rom.  5 :  17,  18  ;  6  :  23 — we  vainly  thought 
that  salvation  was  to  be  procured  by  some  deeds  or 
righteousness  of  our  own.  In  our  natural  state  of  blind- 
ness, before  we  saw  Jesus,  we  thought  enduring  to  the 
end  might  give  us  a  claim  to  be  saved  ,*  now  we  see 
that  we  are  "  saved  in  the  Lord  with  an  everlastinor  sal- 

o 

ration."    Isa.  45  :  17. 

We  began  the  year  seeing  Jesus,  0,  in  this  blessed 
sight  let  us  endure  to  the  end.  In  him  we  see  a  complete 
salvation.  We  hear  and  believe  his  cry  from  the  cross, 
^^  It  is  finished.''''  We  hear  him  proclaim  from  his  throne 
in  glory,"  It  is  done.''''  "  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  be- 
ginning and  the  end."  Rev.  21  :  6.  In  liim  we  are  "cho- 
sen to  salvation,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and 
belief  of  the  truth."  2Thess.2:13.  He  "  of  God,  is  made 
unto  as  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification  and  re- 
demption." 1.  Cor.  1  :  30.  In  the  faith  of  this  we  perse- 
vere. By  faith  we  "  endure  (every  fight  of  afHiction) 
seeing  him  who  is  invisible."    Heb.  11  :  27.     We  "run 


528  DECEMBER  31. 

with  patience  the  race  set  before  us,  looking  unto  Jesus, 
the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith."  Heb.  12  :  2.  Con- 
sider these  precious  words,  ye  who  tremble  lest  your 
faith  shall  not  endure  to  the  end:  the  same  Jesus  wno 
is  the  author  is  also  the  finisher  of  your  faith.  It  is  the 
glory  of  gospel  faith  to  live  upon  Jesus,  who  is  our  life 
and  sanation ;  and  to  enjoy  life  and  salvation  in  Christ 
every  step  we  take  in  the  way  to  endless  life  and  glory : 
where  in  spite  of  all  the  deceitfulness  of  sin,  and  the  art 
and  malice  of  Satan,  we  shall  "  receive  the  end  of  our 
faith,  the  salvation  of  our  souls."   1  Pet.  1  :  9. 


Now,  christian  reader,  I  commend  thee  to  God,  and 
to  the  word  of  his  grace,  wishing  thee  sweet  comfort  in 
perusing  these  daily  meditations.  If  our  Lord  give  thee 
as  much  in  reading  as  I  have  found  in  writing  them, 
thou  wilt  have  great  cause  for  love  and  praise.  Accept 
them,  as  the  labor  of  one  who  is  "no  prophet,  neither 
a  prophet's  son,"  but  who  would  glory  in  being  a  saved 
sinner,  by  the  cross  of  Jesus. 

Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest.  Grace  be  with  all 
who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity.     Amen. 


THE  END. 


